Dr. Osama Masaud Etaleb – Family Doctor | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Osama Masaud Etaleb is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine in Scarborough, 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. Etaleb 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. Osama Masaud Etaleb completed his Medical Degree. He 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. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care. He provides consultations in English.

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

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.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity, skin type, patient preference, and potential impact on self-esteem.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Diagnosis (clinical, skin scraping/KOH preparation, fungal culture if needed) and treatment of common superficial fungal infections including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm - requires oral therapy), tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor), cutaneous candidiasis (e.g., intertrigo, diaper rash), and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). Treatment involves topical antifungal creams/lotions/shampoos (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole) or oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole) for more extensive, resistant, or nail/hair infections.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.

Common Acute Conditions

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Providing prompt care for sudden or severe headaches, offering effective relief, and establishing a plan for ongoing management if headaches are recurrent or chronic.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Helping individuals understand and manage their IBS symptoms to improve digestive comfort and quality of life.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Proactive, team-based care (often involving dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists) for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, aiming to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall quality of life.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Helping individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema manage their symptoms effectively, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain the best possible lung function through a multidisciplinary approach.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Ongoing management of chronic GERD (acid reflux) and PUD, including lifestyle modifications (diet, weight, smoking cessation), prescription of acid-suppressing medications (PPIs, H2 blockers), H. pylori testing and eradication, and monitoring for complications or need for endoscopy.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Ongoing management and support for anxiety disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• 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.
• 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.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.

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

• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Primary care support for patients with established heart conditions, ensuring regular follow-up, adherence to complex treatment plans, and promotion of heart-healthy lifestyles.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks with personalized advice on prevention and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Routine Health Check-ups & Physicals for Adults: Providing regular comprehensive health assessments for adults of all ages to monitor overall health status, review lifestyle factors, update immunizations, and perform or coordinate age and gender-appropriate preventative screenings.
• Well-Child & Well-Adolescent Visits (Growth & Development): Routine check-ups for infants, children, and adolescents to monitor physical growth, cognitive and social-emotional development, and provide anticipatory guidance to parents/guardians.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Providing a primary care base for managing complex chronic pain, focusing on patient empowerment and coordinating with other specialists and therapies as needed.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Etaleb. 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 Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine, 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. Etaleb frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Struggling with experiencing frequent or severe headaches or migraines that are disrupting their work and family life? Dr. Etaleb helps patients target feeling genuinely reassured, thoroughly well-informed about all aspects of their condition, and like an empowered, active partner in all decisions regarding their health status, treatment options, and long-term care strategies discussed with Dr. Etaleb, making a return to activities such as thoroughly enjoying the simple yet profound ability to read for pleasure, engage in academic study, or conduct detailed research for extended periods without debilitating eye strain, persistent headaches, or other health issues related to unmanaged vision problems or poor ergonomics more achievable.
• When a really sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a high fever that might be strep or tonsillitis impacts daily life, Dr. Etaleb helps patients strive for their elderly family member maintaining their cherished independence and dignity for a longer period due to Dr. Etaleb's comprehensive focus on geriatric syndromes, functional assessment, fall prevention, and medication safety, making activities such as fully and enthusiastically engaging in a wide range of desired social activities, valued community events, and spending quality, meaningful time with close friends and loved ones without being frequently limited or sidelined by bothersome or unpredictable health concerns possible again.
• For those challenged by experiencing heartburn or acid reflux multiple times a week, Dr. Etaleb offers strategies to reach experiencing significant and prompt relief from debilitating acute symptoms like severe pain, high fever, intractable coughs, or distressing allergic reactions, allowing a swift return to their daily activities, work, and family responsibilities, which can mean rediscovering the joy of adeptly managing daily life stressors, unexpected personal challenges, and demanding professional pressures in a healthy, resilient, constructive, and adaptive way, maintaining emotional equilibrium.
• Dr. Etaleb supports patients through needing support, resources, and a concrete plan to help them quit smoking for good this time, aiming for outcomes like learning to expertly self-manage key aspects of their chronic condition much more effectively (e.g., adjusting insulin based on readings, using an asthma action plan correctly, recognizing early warning signs of a COPD exacerbation), significantly increasing their sense of personal independence, confidence, and empowerment over their health, so they can return to activities such as confidently and independently taking various modes of public transportation (bus, train, subway) when needed for commuting or leisure, without excessive physical difficulty, navigation challenges, or heightened anxiety about accessibility or safety.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Etaleb, 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. Etaleb practices at Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine, a family medical practice in the central Scarborough neighborhood of Scarborough. 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 happens if Dr. Etaleb determines I need to see a medical specialist?

Seeing a medical specialist in Canada usually requires a referral from your family doctor, like Dr. Etaleb. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Etaleb believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will handle sending the required information to the specialist. You will then typically be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Remember that specialist wait times can sometimes be long, so Dr. Etaleb will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

How long do appointments with Dr. Etaleb typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Etaleb vary based on the reason for the visit. For a quick follow-up or a straightforward issue, 10-15 minutes is common. For annual physicals, initial consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Etaleb will usually book a longer slot, like 30 minutes or sometimes more. Always try to be specific about your needs when booking your appointment at Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine to ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Etaleb to address your concerns thoroughly.

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 for work/school, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

A family doctor (Ontario) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

What if Dr. Etaleb works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Etaleb?

Dr. Etaleb practices as part of Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Etaleb, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, you might be seen by another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach can enhance access to care and provide comprehensive support. Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine will always strive to have you see Dr. Etaleb for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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, or contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly, may also be helpful.

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

Family doctors like Dr. Etaleb are integral to supporting patients' mental health. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Etaleb.

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. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect, a local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons patient-doctor matching service (if available) may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Doctors Urgent Care Family Medicine
3227 Eglinton Avenue East
Scarborough, ON, M1J 3M5

Phone: (416) 261-4446

Dr. Osama Masaud Etaleb 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: 92641

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Etaleb-Osama-Masaud/0264001-92641

Family doctors like Dr. Etaleb 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.