Dr. Natashia Gail Kathleen Grell – Family Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Natashia Gail Kathleen Grell is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre in Toronto, 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. Natashia Gail Kathleen Grell 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 dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; 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. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Natashia Gail Kathleen Grell provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Mental Health Concerns

• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals for it, addressing underlying contributing factors (e.g., anxiety, pain, medications, restless legs syndrome), and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
• 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.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Confirmation of eradication testing post-treatment to ensure successful clearance of the infection and reduce risks of H. pylori-related gastroduodenal diseases.

Common Acute Conditions

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Management of bladder and kidney infections with appropriate antibiotics based on likely pathogens and local resistance patterns, along with advice on prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs and symptom relief.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Assessment of acute headaches to differentiate types (e.g., tension headache, migraine, cervicogenic), provide initial pain relief strategies (analgesics, NSAIDs, triptans for migraine), identify potential triggers, and rule out serious underlying causes requiring urgent investigation.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common acute skin issues including cellulitis (mild, uncomplicated), fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis), allergic rashes (e.g., hives, contact dermatitis), impetigo, shingles (herpes zoster), insect bites/stings with significant local reactions, and minor superficial burns.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.

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

• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common travel-related illnesses.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Expert care to help you achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol targets, preventing long-term complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Connecting you with the most suitable medical experts and services for further investigation, management, or treatment of complex or specific conditions, ensuring clear communication of referral reasons and relevant history.
• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Dedicated, non-judgmental support for your journey to become smoke-free, improving your immediate and long-term health significantly.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Conducting medical examinations and completing forms required for driver's licenses (commercial, age-related), insurance purposes, employment, school, disability applications, or travel (fees typically apply for non-insured services).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Grell. 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 Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 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. Grell frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Managing experiencing unusual fatigue and muscle aches that aren't explained by physical activity effectively is a priority for Dr. Grell. The aim is receiving compassionate, understanding, and effective support and strategies from Dr. Grell for managing a spectrum of mental health challenges including persistent anxiety, significant depression, debilitating grief, overwhelming life stress, or initial symptoms of more complex psychiatric conditions, which helps patients get back to enjoying actively participating in local civic life, serving on community boards, contributing to neighborhood associations, or engaging in grassroots advocacy groups with consistent energy, passion, and intellectual commitment.
• Through Dr. Grell's guidance, patients with a follow-up visit after being discharged from the hospital for an illness or surgery to ensure recovery is on track often find they can achieve receiving a clear, understandable, and timely diagnosis for their persistent health concern, finally bringing peace of mind and a concrete path forward for treatment or management under Dr. Grell's care and once again pursue feeling physically strong, mentally resilient, and emotionally capable of consistently handling the often unpredictable and demanding day-to-day responsibilities of active parenting, grand-parenting, or intensive caregiving roles.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Grell about foot pain, like sharp pain in their heel (plantar fasciitis) or a painful ingrown toenail is to achieve navigating the unique physical and emotional journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the demanding postpartum period with excellent, comprehensive, and reassuring medical guidance, continuity of care, and unwavering supportive care from Dr. Grell. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with consistently maintaining good, ergonomic posture and avoiding musculoskeletal discomfort while working for extended periods at a computer station, office desk, or in other sedentary job roles.
• Dr. Grell's care for pain, numbness, or tingling in their hands or wrists that might be carpal tunnel syndrome from computer work is designed to result in feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Grell to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques, so patients can resume activities such as efficiently managing and maintaining their home environment, including undertaking light repairs, seasonal maintenance, or significant organizational projects, with physical capability and sustained energy with confidence.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Grell, 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. Grell practices at Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Port Lands and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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.

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 that 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 may be helpful in your search. 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 OHIP for eligible Ontario residents with a valid 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 may have an associated fee. Please confirm with Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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 may take time and effort. You can try checking the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, registering with Health Care Connect, asking friends and family for recommendations, or contacting local community health centres.

Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
2760 Yonge Street, Geriatric Psychiatry
Toronto, ON, M4N 2J2

Phone: (416) 481-1173

Dr. Natashia Gail Kathleen Grell 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: 78101

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Grell-Natashia-Gail-Kathleen/0190791-78101

Family doctors like Dr. Grell 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.