Dr. Natalie Shirley Mills – Family Doctor | Orléans, ON

Dr. Natalie Shirley Mills is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Orléans, ON, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Natalie Shirley Mills completed her Medical Degree. She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

Dr. Natalie Shirley Mills provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Adult Common Health Issues

• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Investigating causes of anemia (e.g., symptoms like fatigue, pallor, dyspnea on exertion, dizziness, palpitations, restless legs) through thorough history (diet, medications, menstrual history, GI symptoms), physical examination, and targeted blood tests (Complete Blood Count - CBC with differential and red cell indices, iron studies including ferritin, serum vitamin B12, serum folate, reticulocyte count, LDH, bilirubin if hemolysis suspected).
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.

Mental Health Concerns

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Helping individuals build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., problem-solving, relaxation techniques, mindfulness), and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Providing a safe and confidential first point of contact for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of other mental health conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, bipolar disorder, or early psychosis. Includes initial screening, supportive listening, crisis intervention if needed, risk assessment, and prompt, appropriate referral to specialized psychiatric, psychological, or emergency mental health services for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Helping individuals navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms, aiming to restore emotional well-being, daily functioning, and prevent relapse.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Providing initial guidance and evidence-based parenting strategies, and coordinating timely referrals to appropriate pediatric specialists (e.g., developmental pediatricians, child psychologists/psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists) if further evaluation, diagnosis, or specialized intervention is indicated.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Comprehensive medical care for newborns immediately after birth and through the first year of life. Includes routine physical exams, growth monitoring, screening for jaundice and congenital conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart murmurs), umbilical cord care, and vitamin K/eye prophylaxis discussions (hospital-based). Strong focus on infant feeding support, including guidance and troubleshooting for breastfeeding (latch, positioning, supply concerns, mastitis management) and appropriate formula feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (honey-crusted lesions), folliculitis (infected hair follicles), and uncomplicated cellulitis (localized skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling, pain) or erysipelas. Management includes topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, fusidic acid) for localized infections or oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin, cloxacillin, clindamycin) for more extensive or systemic involvement. Advice on wound care and hygiene.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Diagnosing and managing various forms of eczema/dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis (the most common type, often starting in childhood), irritant/allergic contact dermatitis (identifying and avoiding triggers), and seborrheic dermatitis (affecting scalp, face, chest). Management focuses on skincare education (frequent emollients, gentle cleansers, lukewarm baths), trigger identification and avoidance, topical corticosteroids (appropriate potency for site and severity), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs like tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), and antihistamines for itch relief. Referral for patch testing or to dermatology for severe or refractory cases.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Evaluating common benign (non-cancerous) skin growths like skin tags (acrochordons), seborrheic keratoses ('age spots'), cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas, epidermal cysts, and lipomas. Providing reassurance regarding their benign nature and offering in-office removal (e.g., cryotherapy, snip excision, curettage, simple excision for cysts/lipomas if trained/equipped) for cosmetic reasons, if causing irritation, or for diagnostic certainty if there's any ambiguity.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mills. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Expert management of prevalent adult health concerns to support optimal health, function, and quality of life.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Screening, Counseling & Treatment: Providing testing, education, treatment, and advice related to sexual health and the prevention and management of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community immunity.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Assisting patients with necessary medical documentation for third-party requests.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Regularly scheduled check-ups to monitor overall health, update immunizations, perform age-appropriate screenings, and provide personalized lifestyle counseling.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Mills. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in ON and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Natalie Shirley Mills's practice, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Mills frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For those challenged by difficulty concentrating at work or school that's new for them, Dr. Mills offers strategies to reach their teenager demonstrating a smoother and more confident transition into managing their own health responsibilities and navigating the adult healthcare system, thanks to ongoing guidance and mentorship from Dr. Mills, which can mean rediscovering the joy of confidently, independently, and effectively managing their diagnosed chronic health conditions (like diabetes, asthma, or hypertension) on a daily basis with minimal disruption to their desired lifestyle and activities, feeling in control.
• A key objective when treating wanting reliable advice and a realistic plan on how to eat healthier, manage their weight better, or start exercising safely at Dr. Mills's clinic is achieving a significantly healthier and more balanced lifestyle that demonstrably reduces their risk of developing future preventable health problems and notably enhances their overall physical and mental resilience, supporting a comfortable return to consistently maintaining a regular, enjoyable, and suitably challenging active lifestyle through various forms of exercise, preferred team or individual sports, invigorating outdoor adventures, or mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi.
• The focus for patients with getting a comprehensive skin check for new or changing spots, especially with a history of significant sun exposure or family history of skin cancer at Dr. Mills's practice is achieving having their complex chronic condition, such as advanced type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, difficult-to-control asthma, or multi-joint osteoarthritis, effectively managed and well-stabilized through a collaborative, evidence-based plan developed with Dr. Mills, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like confidently enjoying a varied, balanced, and largely unrestricted diet (unless medically indicated for very specific diagnosed conditions like celiac disease or severe allergies) without undue fear of triggering adverse reactions, pain, or significant digestive distress.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Mills, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Mills practices at a family medical clinic in Orléans, situated in a family medical practice in the central Orléans neighborhood of Orléans. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Mills?

Preventative care with Dr. Mills focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious or cause symptoms. This involves a range of services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups (periodic health exams), age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., Pap tests, mammograms, colon cancer screening, PSA discussions), immunizations (flu shots, travel vaccines, routine boosters), blood pressure and cholesterol checks, screening for diabetes, counseling on healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking cessation, responsible alcohol use), and risk assessments for various conditions. The primary goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early when they are most treatable, and promote your long-term health and well-being.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Mills?

To each appointment with Dr. Mills at the clinic, please ensure you have your provincial health card. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Mills beforehand so you don't forget anything important during your visit.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a doctor.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Mills handle complex care?

As a family doctor, Dr. Mills is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. She will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Mills will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved, manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions (polypharmacy review), and develop a comprehensive care plan that aligns with your overall health goals and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions and concerns is key.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Ontario if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, may be helpful. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

104-2555 St. Joseph Blvd
Orléans, ON, K1C 1S6

Phone: (613) 830-1298

Dr. Natalie Shirley Mills is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario) in ON and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Registration Number: 63528

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mills-Natalie-Shirley/0049550-63528

Family doctors like Dr. Mills are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.