Dr. Philippe Elie Starosta – Family Doctor | Kanata, ON

Dr. Philippe Elie Starosta is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Scarborough Health Network in Kanata, 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.

His 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. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Dr. Philippe Elie Starosta 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 a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

Dr. Philippe Elie Starosta 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.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• 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.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Primary care coordination for back and neck pain, including referral to physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or specialist pain services when appropriate for persistent or disabling symptoms.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).

Common Chronic Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Comprehensive management strategies for COPD, focusing on smoking cessation support (critical for slowing progression), appropriate pharmacological therapy (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids), supplemental oxygen therapy assessment (if needed), pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, influenza/pneumococcal vaccinations, and proactive management of exacerbations to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms (breathlessness, chronic cough, sputum production), and slow disease progression.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: A supportive approach to IBS, working with patients to identify triggers and develop effective coping mechanisms.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Partnering with you to achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure control, thereby significantly reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other related health problems.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Screening, diagnosis, and management of abnormal lipid profiles (high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides) through lifestyle modifications (heart-healthy diet, physical activity, weight management) and, when indicated, prescription of lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors) based on cardiovascular risk assessment.

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

• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: First-line medical assessment for sudden gastrointestinal issues to guide treatment and rule out emergent conditions.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Offering essential travel health services and advice to protect your health while abroad, tailored to your destination and activities.
• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Performing therapeutic joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections) for certain conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis in specific joints (e.g., knee, shoulder) to reduce pain and inflammation, if appropriately trained and equipped.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: Primary care role in early recognition of eating disorders and ensuring patients access comprehensive treatment pathways.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Screening for osteoporosis based on risk factors and age, ordering bone density scans (DXA) when appropriate, and managing osteoporosis with lifestyle advice (calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise), fall prevention strategies, and prescription of bone-building medications.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Starosta. 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 Scarborough Health Network, 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. Starosta frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Dr. Starosta regarding preparing for international travel and needing advice on health precautions, necessary vaccinations, or malaria prevention. Working together, they aim for their elderly family member maintaining their cherished independence and dignity for a longer period due to Dr. Starosta's comprehensive focus on geriatric syndromes, functional assessment, fall prevention, and medication safety, making a return to fully sharing and enjoying relaxed, convivial meals and engaging conversations with their loved ones without being constantly preoccupied by nagging physical pain, digestive discomfort, or restrictive dietary anxieties feasible.
• With Dr. Starosta's care, managing it being time for their regular comprehensive health check-up and physical exam aims for their child's academic performance or social engagement noticeably improving after Dr. Starosta played a key role in identifying and initiating management for underlying health conditions, attention issues, or learning differences, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like successfully pursuing further formal education, challenging vocational training programs, or self-directed learning initiatives to achieve important personal growth objectives or significant professional aspirations.
• Dr. Starosta understands the impact of concerns about their child's hearing or vision, or a failed school screening. That's why treatment is geared towards managing bothersome and often disruptive menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes) effectively with Dr. Starosta's expert guidance and tailored treatment options, leading to improved well-being, better sleep, and a smoother, more comfortable life transition, helping patients get back to generously volunteering their valuable time, unique skills, and boundless energy in their local community for causes they deeply believe in, feeling consistently healthy, capable, and motivated enough to contribute meaningfully and make a real difference with greater ease.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Starosta, 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. Starosta's practice at Scarborough Health Network is situated in a family medical practice in the central Kanata neighborhood of Kanata. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a suitable doctor.

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 difficult. Provincial resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's patient-doctor matching service (if available) may be helpful. A referral from your family doctor is usually required to see 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 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 may have an associated fee. Please confirm with Scarborough Health Network if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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

Having continuity of care with Dr. Starosta means that he is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Starosta to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger doctor-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management.

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

A family doctor (in 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.

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

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Starosta 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. Starosta 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. Starosta can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

Scarborough Health Network
832 March Road, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery
Kanata, ON, K2W 0C6

Phone: (613) 599-5599

Dr. Philippe Elie Starosta 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: 60514

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Starosta-Philippe-Elie/0046536-60514

Family doctors like Dr. Starosta 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.