Dr. Saahil Vij

Dr. Saahil Vij 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

• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Helping patients find relief from itchy, irritated, or dry eyes through appropriate primary care interventions and guidance.
• 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.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Primary care support for managing discomfort and preventing complications associated with venous disease. Referral to vascular specialists or phlebologists for more advanced treatments (e.g., sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, surgery) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or complicated by ulceration or recurrent phlebitis.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Providing initial management strategies for RLS, including lifestyle modifications (e.g., regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine/alcohol close to bedtime), checking and correcting iron deficiency (ferritin levels), and considering pharmacological options (e.g., dopamine agonists like pramipexole/ropinirole, gabapentin enacarbil) for moderate to severe, frequent symptoms that significantly impact sleep or quality of life. Referral to neurology or sleep specialist for complex or refractory cases.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Personalized treatment plans for managing elevated lipid levels, incorporating regular monitoring, patient education, and strategies for long-term cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: A supportive approach to IBS, working with patients to identify triggers and develop effective coping mechanisms.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Developing personalized strategies to reduce chronic joint and muscle pain, improve mobility and function, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall quality of life for those living with conditions like arthritis, persistent back pain or fibromyalgia.
• 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.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Effective antimicrobial therapy for common bacterial skin infections to resolve infection, prevent spread, and alleviate associated symptoms.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Primary care support for individuals with psoriasis, coordinating with specialist care as needed for more advanced treatment options and comprehensive management of this chronic systemic condition.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage these common and often distressing inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance, reduce symptoms (redness, papules, pustules, flushing), prevent scarring (acne), and enhance quality of life.

Preventative Health Topics

• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• 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): 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.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Performing routine developmental surveillance and targeted screening (e.g., using Ages & Stages Questionnaires - ASQ) when parents or educators raise concerns regarding potential developmental delays (in speech/language, gross/fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, social-emotional development). Offering initial assessment and guidance for common behavioral issues (e.g., significant tantrums, sleep problems, childhood anxiety, aggression), symptoms suggestive of ADHD, or learning difficulties.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children, such as otitis media (ear infections), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat - with rapid testing if available), common colds and influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea), uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and common skin infections (impetigo, cellulitis - mild).
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Comprehensive preventative care designed to support the healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children from birth, building a strong foundation for lifelong health.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Vij. 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.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks with personalized advice on prevention and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Ongoing management of stable cardiovascular conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and atrial fibrillation (AFib), often in collaboration with cardiologists, focusing on medication optimization (e.g., anticoagulants for AFib), risk factor reduction, symptom monitoring, and patient education.
• 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.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Helping you identify factors contributing to poor sleep and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime functioning.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Vij. 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 Dr. Saahil Vij's practice, 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. Vij frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Struggling with needing a referral to a physiotherapist, psychologist, or other allied health professional? Dr. Vij helps patients target their family being effectively connected by Dr. Vij to invaluable local community resources, patient advocacy organizations, and peer support groups that have demonstrably improved their coping abilities, social support network, and overall well-being, making a return to activities such as 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 more achievable.
• Through Dr. Vij's guidance, patients with wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting often find they can achieve their adolescent child receiving confidential, empathetic, respectful, and age-appropriate holistic care from Dr. Vij for sensitive health topics including sexual health, mental well-being, body image, or substance use concerns and once again pursue 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.
• Overcoming or managing wishing to discuss advance care planning, making a living will, or appointing a healthcare proxy is a common patient journey at Dr. Vij's practice. The focus is on enabling having their complex chronic condition, such as advanced type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, difficult-to-control asthma, or multi-joint osteoarthritis, effectively managed and well-stabilized through a collaborative, evidence-based plan developed with Dr. Vij, so that engaging in thoughtfully and proactively planning for their long-term future, including considerations for retirement, potential changes in living arrangements, or other significant life transitions, with a strong sense of health security and financial preparedness becomes a reality again.
• Dr. Vij understands the impact of needing a medical form filled out for insurance claims, disability benefits, or a new job application. That's why treatment is geared towards seeing profoundly positive and lasting changes in their overall approach to health, preventative self-care, and health-seeking behaviors as a direct and inspiring result of Dr. Vij's ongoing education, consistent encouragement, and positive role modeling, helping patients get back to actively engaging in a variety of mentally stimulating and enriching activities such as immersive reading of books and articles, solving complex puzzles, consistently learning a new practical skill online, or regularly attending engaging adult education classes with good, sustained concentration and memory recall with greater ease.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Vij, 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. Vij practices at a family medical clinic in Toronto, situated in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the University of Toronto (St. George Campus south edge) and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor in Ontario if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect, your local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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 College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website; 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 OHIP for eligible Ontario 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 our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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

Seeing a medical specialist in Canada usually requires a referral from your family doctor, like Dr. Vij. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Vij believes specialist care is necessary, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will send the required information to the specialist. You will then be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Specialist wait times can be long, so Dr. Vij will continue to manage your care in the interim.

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

Your family doctor (in Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure access to specialized medical services through referrals. The continuity of care they provide is fundamental to effective family medicine.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Vij?

Your first appointment with Dr. Vij will involve a discussion of your complete health profile. He will ask about your past medical history, family illnesses, medications, allergies, lifestyle factors, and health concerns or goals. This comprehensive intake helps Dr. Vij understand your health status and formulate a long-term care plan. It's also a time to ask questions about his approach or clinic procedures.

Unit Unit G1, 2075 Bayview Ave, Unit G1
Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-4037

Dr. Saahil Vij 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: 109237

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Vij-Saahil/0310281-109237

Family doctors like Dr. Vij 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.