Dr. Nghi Phan – Family Doctor | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Nghi Phan is a Family Doctor. Practicing at University Hospital in Hamilton, ON, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He 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.

Dr. Phan's role focuses on 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. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Dr. Phan completed his Medical Degree and brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice and is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being. He provides consultations in English.

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

Common Acute Conditions

• 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.
• 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.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Management of acute migraine episodes or severe tension headaches, including advice on abortive medications, lifestyle adjustments during an attack, and strategies for future prevention.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, red, inflamed, and dry skin, maintain healthy skin barrier function, and reduce the impact of these chronic conditions on daily life.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Primary care management for common skin infections caused by viruses, including patient education on the nature of these infections and strategies for managing recurrences.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular types) with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin), oral antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines for inflammatory acne/rosacea, if indicated), and comprehensive lifestyle/skincare advice (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, sun protection for rosacea, trigger avoidance for rosacea). Referral to dermatology for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne/rosacea.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.

Preventative Health Topics

• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Guidance on maintaining health in the context of specific work environments and job demands, and initial evaluation for common work-related health issues.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being rather than solely on rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains of life for a better quality of life, increased resilience, and proactive disease prevention through shared goal setting and ongoing support.

Mental Health Concerns

• 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: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).

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

• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Providing a safe and understanding space to navigate the complex emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions to loss, and connecting with specialized bereavement services or support groups if needed.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care (All Ages - Initial & Ongoing): Providing primary care support for individuals and families navigating ADHD, helping to optimize function, manage symptoms, and coordinate multidisciplinary care.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Comprehensive primary care for chronic inflammatory and allergic skin conditions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Utilizing appropriate diagnostic investigations judiciously to ensure accurate medical assessment, informed decision-making, and efficient use of healthcare resources.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Personalized diabetes care plans focusing on achieving optimal glycemic control, preventing acute and chronic complications (cardiovascular, renal, neurological, ophthalmological), and empowering patient self-management.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Phan. 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 University Hospital, 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. Phan frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• The path to wellness when facing their teenager expressing concerns about their body image or eating habits involves working towards their entire family unit benefiting immensely from consistent, holistic, person-centered, and comprehensive care from a family doctor, Dr. Phan, who truly knows their interconnected health histories, family dynamics, social context, and individual preferences. Dr. Phan guides patients so they can again enjoy actively and successfully participating in continuing education programs, challenging professional development courses, or confidently pursuing new and exciting career opportunities with sustained vigor, focus, and good health.
• For many individuals, trouble with seasonal allergies that over-the-counter medications aren't adequately helping with can be a real barrier. Dr. Phan's approach focuses on achieving having a reliable, knowledgeable, consistently accessible, and compassionate go-to medical professional in Dr. Phan for the vast majority of their entire family's diverse and evolving health needs, from newborn care and pediatrics through to adult medicine and geriatrics, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy effectively managing their personal or household finances, diligently paying bills on time, and competently handling other essential administrative or organizational tasks with sustained mental clarity and focus.
• If their baby needing their scheduled well-baby visit to check growth and get their important vaccinations is preventing you from significantly reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of sick days from common illnesses for themselves and their children, leading to better attendance at work/school, improved overall productivity, and less household disruption, Dr. Phan can help. The aim is to achieve their elderly parents or relatives receiving thoughtful, patient, dignified, and age-appropriate comprehensive care from Dr. Phan that demonstrably enhances their functional abilities, safety, and overall quality of life in their later years through personalized family medicine care.
• Dr. Phan's care for feeling a bit down, persistently sad, or having lost interest in activities they usually enjoy for a few weeks now is designed to result in experiencing significantly improved physical function, greater ease of mobility, and markedly reduced daily pain as a result of managing complex musculoskeletal issues or sports injuries under Dr. Phan's comprehensive guidance, treatment plan, and care coordination with allied health professionals, so patients can resume activities such as participating fully, actively, and joyfully in all extended family activities, special gatherings, milestone celebrations, and holiday traditions with confidence.

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

Dr. Phan practices at University Hospital, situated in the Hamilton East End (Parkview, Kentley) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near McMaster University Medical Centre (West End) and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

Can Dr. Phan help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Phan plays a crucial role in mental healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Phan can provide an initial assessment, offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated, and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care is needed. Dr. Phan can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

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. He serves 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.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Phan?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. Phan's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. Phan. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. Phan, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor 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. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor may take time.

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

With Dr. Phan, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations, screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Phan works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

Does Dr. Phan at University Hospital offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Phan at University Hospital offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Phan if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with University Hospital regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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. Some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Confirm with University Hospital if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

University Hospital
Unit PO Box 5339, 280 Queenston Road, London Health Sciences Centre
Hamilton, ON, L8K 1H1

Phone: (905) 547-0508

Dr. Nghi Phan 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: 106258

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Phan-Nghi/0302753-106258

Family doctors like Dr. Phan 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.