Dr. Nitai Gelber

Dr. Nitai Gelber 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.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat (including rapid strep testing where available), nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, and fever associated with common URTIs.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Advice and supportive care for managing symptoms of viral or bacterial gastroenteritis ('stomach flu') or mild food poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, with a primary focus on preventing and managing dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations (children, elderly).

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Conducting routine medical examinations as required by provincial transportation authorities for driver's license issuance or renewal, particularly for commercial drivers (truck, bus, taxi) or as mandated by age (e.g., for seniors at specific intervals). Assessing medical fitness to drive based on established national and provincial medical standards, including vision, hearing, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, neurological status, and medication review.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: A holistic approach to primary care that considers the broader social context of health and aims to reduce barriers to care and well-being by addressing SDOH.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, body composition, and overall health status. Providing guidance on evidence-based strategies for weight management including balanced nutrition (calorie awareness, portion control, whole foods), mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating, sleep optimization), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options (pharmacotherapy like GLP-1 agonists, orlistat; bariatric surgery referral) may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual clinical assessment.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Performing basic pre-employment medicals or fitness-for-work assessments as required by some employers (typically non-WCB/WSIB related, fees may apply). Providing advice on general workplace health and safety, injury prevention, and initial assessment of health concerns potentially related to occupational exposures or ergonomics, with appropriate referrals if specialized occupational medicine input is needed.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Working collaboratively with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and coordination with specialist renal services when appropriate.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Helping patients control symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and epigastric pain, and prevent long-term issues associated with chronic acid exposure or ulcers.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Comprehensive care for individuals with asthma and related allergies, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management skills, and emergency preparedness for asthma attacks.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels to significantly reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and pancreatitis.

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

• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Facilitating timely and appropriate referrals to a wide range of medical specialists (e.g., cardiologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, oncologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, surgeons, etc.), subspecialists, and specialized diagnostic or treatment programs when specialized expertise or intervention is required beyond the scope of primary care.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Assisting patients with necessary medical documentation for third-party requests.
• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance and quality of life.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Providing continuous medical care for adult health issues, from sudden illnesses to long-term conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment and follow-up.
• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Offering compassionate support, active listening, and initial counseling for individuals experiencing grief due to the loss of loved ones, significant life transitions, or other forms of bereavement.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gelber. 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 Peterborough Regional 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. Gelber frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Gelber frequently helps patients who are dealing with their child having a sudden high fever, being very irritable, and not acting like themselves. The primary aim is achieving successfully navigating the initial emotional and practical challenges of a new, unexpected serious diagnosis with Dr. Gelber's consistent, empathetic support, reliable information, and proactive care coordination, which often allows them to confidently resume enjoying daily life with consistent, vibrant energy, genuine vitality, and a deeply positive outlook on most days.
• With Dr. Gelber's care, managing that persistent, dry cough that just won't seem to go away after a cold aims for achieving substantially better and more integrated management of their multiple co-existing chronic conditions (multimorbidity) through the highly coordinated, holistic, and patient-centered approach to care championed by Dr. Gelber, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like feeling well-prepared, physically able, and mentally positive for attending and fully participating in significant, once-in-a-lifetime family or social events like weddings, milestone anniversaries, international reunions, or major academic graduations.
• Struggling with joint pain in their knees, hips, or hands that's been getting worse and making movement difficult? Dr. Gelber helps patients target feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Gelber to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques, making a return to activities such as breathing much more easily and deeply, actively participating in more physically strenuous or endurance-based activities, and effectively managing their chronic respiratory conditions (like asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis) with greater confidence and fewer limitations more achievable.
• If wanting to discuss various birth control options to find what's best for them, or needing a Pap test is preventing you from feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr. Gelber for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives, Dr. Gelber can help. The aim is to achieve their newborn receiving excellent, thorough initial care, meticulous monitoring for healthy growth and crucial early development, and invaluable support for new parents during the critical and often overwhelming early weeks of life, all from Dr. Gelber through personalized family medicine care.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Gelber, 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. Gelber practices at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, situated in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Distillery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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 also register with Health Care Connect. Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is also helpful. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also yield results. It may take time and persistence.

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, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, may be helpful in finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Gelber?

Continuity of care refers to the process where your family doctor, Dr. Gelber, sees you for your health needs on an ongoing basis, rather than seeing different doctors for different issues. This consistency is valuable because Dr. Gelber becomes familiar with your medical background, your lifestyle, and what's 'normal' for you. This knowledge aids in quicker diagnosis, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and ensures that your care is well-coordinated across the healthcare system. It's about having a trusted healthcare partner throughout your life.

Does Dr. Gelber at Peterborough Regional Health Centre offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Gelber at Peterborough Regional Health Centre 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. Gelber if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Peterborough Regional Health Centre 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. 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 Peterborough Regional Health Centre if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Peterborough Regional Health Centre is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Peterborough Regional Health Centre reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Peterborough Regional Health Centre or Dr. Gelber during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(416) 603-5888] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
300-440 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON, M5T 2S6

Phone: (416) 603-5888

Dr. Nitai Gelber 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: 112437

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gelber-Nitai/0317747-112437

Family doctors like Dr. Gelber 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.