Dr. Philippe-Joël Nault – Family Doctor | Drummondville, QC

Dr. Philippe-Joël Nault is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at CLSC Drummondville in Drummondville, QC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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-Joël Nault completed his Family Medicine (2018). 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 commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness. He offers consultations in French.

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

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.
• 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.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.
• 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.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Diagnosing (often clinical, supported by serum uric acid levels; joint aspiration for crystal analysis if diagnostically uncertain or to rule out septic arthritis) and managing acute gout or pseudogout attacks with appropriate anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like naproxen/indomethacin, colchicine, oral or intra-articular corticosteroids).

Pediatric Common Issues

• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Supporting new parents in caring for their infant, addressing common concerns (colic, reflux, sleep patterns), and promoting bonding and healthy attachment.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood vaccines (e.g., DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate (Groups A,C,Y,W-135 and Group B), Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza) to protect against serious and preventable infectious diseases, according to current provincial and national (NACI) guidelines.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate comprehensive primary care for teenagers (typically ages 12-18+). Addressing a wide range of issues including pubertal development, acne, body image concerns, sports injuries, mental health (screening for anxiety, depression, stress, eating disorders), sexual health education (contraception, STI prevention/screening, healthy relationships), substance use (screening, brief intervention, counseling), and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, responsible digital media use).

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

• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: Primary care role in early recognition of eating disorders and ensuring patients access comprehensive treatment pathways.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Expert care to help you achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol targets, preventing long-term complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Comprehensive management of common sleep disorders to restore restorative sleep patterns and improve overall health and alertness.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Assessing new or sudden onset headaches or dizziness to differentiate between common causes (e.g., tension headache, migraine, benign positional vertigo) and more serious underlying conditions, providing initial management and referral if indicated.
• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Ensuring seamless access to specialized medical care through efficient and well-documented referrals, acting as your central coordinator and advocate within the healthcare system.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Nault. 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 Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CLSC Drummondville, 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 Nault frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If experiencing heartburn or acid reflux multiple times a week is preventing you from proficiently and safely operating specialized tools, intricate machinery, or complex equipment required for their specific line of work, skilled trade, or demanding technical hobbies without risk of injury or error due to health limitations, Dr Nault can help. The aim is to achieve feeling substantially more hopeful and less overwhelmed about managing a difficult or life-altering health condition after comprehensive consultations and collaborative care planning with Dr Nault through personalized family medicine care.
• Dr Nault frequently helps patients who are dealing with a cut that looks red, swollen, and might be infected. The primary aim is achieving their teenager demonstrating a smoother and more confident transition into managing their own health responsibilities and navigating the adult healthcare system, thanks to ongoing guidance and mentorship from Dr Nault, which often allows them to confidently resume feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr Nault for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Nault, 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 Nault's practice at CLSC Drummondville is situated in a well-regarded family medical practice in the Drummondville neighborhood of Drummondville. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Drummondville and is accessible via Société de transport de Drummondville (STD). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when CLSC Drummondville 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 CLSC Drummondville 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 CLSC Drummondville or Dr Nault during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(819) 474-2572] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of QC often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on its website. In Quebec, you can use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging and may take time.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor in QC if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources like the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF) or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of QC website may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

A family doctor (Médecin de famille) 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 Nault help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

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

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

Dr Nault practices as part of CLSC Drummondville, 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 Nault, 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. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr Nault for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. Some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with CLSC Drummondville if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Preventative care provided by Dr Nault aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage. This includes regular physical exams, vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health rather than just treating problems as they arise, and Dr Nault can help guide you in these efforts.

CLSC Drummondville
100-230 boul Saint-Joseph O
Drummondville, QC, J2E 1A2

Phone: (819) 474-2572

Dr. Philippe-Joël Nault is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 18715

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18715

Family doctors like Dr Nault 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.