Dr. Parvin Akter

Dr. Parvin Akter 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

• 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).
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing and managing common eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red, watery eyes often seasonal or related to specific allergens) with advice on allergen avoidance, cool compresses, artificial tears, and topical/oral antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. Assessing and providing initial management for dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca - gritty, burning, foreign body sensation, intermittent blurry vision) with education on environmental modifications, regular use of artificial tears/lubricating ointments, and advice on blinking exercises/lid hygiene. Referral to ophthalmology if symptoms are severe, persistent, vision is affected, or diagnosis is uncertain.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Prescribing evidence-based eradication therapy regimens (typically involving a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor - PPI) for confirmed H. pylori infection, according to local guidelines and resistance patterns. Providing patient education on medication adherence and potential side effects.

Mental Health Concerns

• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.
• 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.

Common Acute Conditions

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Care for acute respiratory illnesses, including advice on symptom management, appropriate use of antibiotics (only if bacterial infection is confirmed or highly suspected), and guidance on when to seek further medical attention for complications.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): Providing advice on RICE/POLICE principles (Rest/Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain relief options (analgesics, NSAIDs, heat/cold therapy), and gentle exercises for acute soft tissue injuries to promote healing.
• 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.

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.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Offering essential travel health services and tailored advice to protect your health while abroad, based on current international health regulations, CDC/WHO recommendations, and your specific travel plans.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.

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

• Cancer Screening Coordination (Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, Lung - as per guidelines): Coordinating appropriate cancer screening tests tailored to your age, gender, family history, and individual risk factors, facilitating early detection.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks with personalized advice on prevention and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Initial evaluation of the impact of work on health and vice-versa.
• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Interpreting test results in the context of your overall clinical picture, discussing their implications with you clearly, and arranging appropriate follow-up or further investigation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Akter. 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 Joseph Brant 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. Akter frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• With Dr. Akter's care, managing their child has a foreign object stuck in their nose or ear (and it seems minor enough for the clinic) aims for their elderly parents or relatives receiving thoughtful, patient, dignified, and age-appropriate comprehensive care from Dr. Akter that demonstrably enhances their functional abilities, safety, and overall quality of life in their later years, empowering patients to get back to what they love, 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.
• Dr. Akter supports patients through a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving, aiming for outcomes like feeling significantly less isolated, better understood, and more adequately supported in managing a rare, complex, or poorly understood health condition due to Dr. Akter's unwavering commitment to their comprehensive care and willingness to learn alongside them, so they can return to activities such as boldly taking on new, exciting challenges or ambitious, multi-stage projects either at work or in their personal life with a strong sense of self-efficacy, physical capability, and mental preparedness.
• Dr. Akter understands the impact of experiencing sudden flashes of light or floaters in their vision. That's why treatment is geared towards their children developing a consistently positive attitude towards healthcare interactions and feeling remarkably comfortable, safe, and trusting during medical check-ups, immunizations, and even minor procedures with Dr. Akter, helping patients get back to nurturing and maintaining strong, supportive, and deeply fulfilling relationships with their immediate family members, close friends, and wider social network through regular, active, and meaningful engagement with greater ease.
• Through Dr. Akter's guidance, patients with ongoing digestive issues like persistent heartburn after meals, uncomfortable bloating, or frequent stomach upset often find they can achieve finding effective, practical, and often simple solutions for common but persistently bothersome issues like recurrent allergies, chronic skin rashes, or disruptive digestive upset, expertly guided by Dr. Akter and once again pursue comfortably and easily using stairs at home, in their workplace, or in various public places as needed throughout the day, without experiencing significant breathlessness, joint pain, or instability.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Akter, 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. Akter practices at Joseph Brant Hospital, situated in the Byron, Lambeth neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near Masonville Place Mall and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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

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.

What happens if Dr. Akter determines I need to see a medical specialist?

As your family doctor, Dr. Akter acts as your primary care coordinator. If she believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, she will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. Dr. Akter will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. The specialist's office will then typically contact you to book the appointment. It's important to keep Joseph Brant Hospital informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Akter can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

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 take time and effort. Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; they often have a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. 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.

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 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. Confirm with Joseph Brant Hospital if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

Joseph Brant Hospital
206-460 Springbank Dr, Mental Health Services Program
London, ON, N6J 0A8

Phone: (519) 657-0550

Dr. Parvin Akter 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: 98516

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Akter-Parvin/0281266-98516

Family doctors like Dr. Akter 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.