Dr. Sandra Helena Albuquerque

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

Common Chronic Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Developing and regularly reviewing personalized asthma action plans, educating on proper inhaler technique (metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulizers), trigger identification and avoidance (allergens, irritants), medication management (relievers, controllers like inhaled corticosteroids, LABAs, LTRAs), and managing asthma exacerbations to improve breathing, prevent flare-ups, and maintain an active lifestyle. Also includes management of associated allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels to significantly reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and pancreatitis.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and youth-friendly healthcare environment where teenagers feel comfortable discussing their health concerns openly, receive accurate information, build a trusting relationship with their doctor, and are empowered to take charge of their health.

Palliative Care Needs

• Advance Care Planning (ACP), Goals of Care Discussions & End-of-Life Decision Making Support: Initiating and skillfully facilitating sensitive, timely, and ongoing conversations with patients (who have capacity) and their families about their values, beliefs, and preferences for future medical care in the context of a progressive life-limiting illness. This includes discussing prognosis (if desired by patient and appropriate), potential treatment options (including the option to limit or withhold life-sustaining treatments), resuscitation status (DNR/AND orders), and desired location of care (home, hospice, hospital) at the end of life.
• Home Visits for Palliative Care Patients (Where Feasible & Appropriate): Extending primary palliative care services beyond the clinic to meet the needs of patients in their familiar environment, often in collaboration with community palliative teams.
• Psychosocial, Emotional & Spiritual Support for Patients & Their Families in Palliative Care: Recognizing and addressing the holistic needs of patients and their families, acknowledging the profound impact of illness beyond purely physical symptoms, and supporting coping mechanisms and resilience.
• Coordination of Multidisciplinary Palliative Care, Hospice Access & Community Resources: Ensuring patients and families receive timely and coordinated support from all relevant healthcare providers and community resources, facilitating smooth transitions between different care settings (e.g., home, hospital, residential hospice) and ensuring continuity of care according to the patient's evolving needs and preferences.

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

• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Assessment and management of sudden onset skin rashes and other common skin ailments to relieve symptoms and promote healing.
• Coordination with Allied Health Professionals & Community Health Services: Facilitating access to a broad network of allied health and community services to support your overall health plan, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term management needs.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate primary care for teenagers, addressing a range of issues including puberty, acne, body image, mental health (anxiety, depression, stress), sexual health education, contraception, STI screening, substance use counseling, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise, sleep).
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals, and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary after addressing underlying causes.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Albuquerque. 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 AB and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary, 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. Albuquerque frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Dr. Albuquerque regarding needing a referral to a physiotherapist, psychologist, or other allied health professional. Working together, they aim for feeling a profound sense of relief and gratitude after finally discussing a 'embarrassing' or stigmatized health concern with Dr. Albuquerque in a completely safe, confidential, and entirely supportive clinical environment, making a return to successfully maintaining a clean, organized, and uncluttered living space that actively contributes to their sense of calm, mental clarity, physical safety, and overall feelings of well-being at home feasible.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Albuquerque about getting advice on how to manage shift work and its impact on their health is to achieve their elderly parents or relatives receiving thoughtful, patient, dignified, and age-appropriate comprehensive care from Dr. Albuquerque that demonstrably enhances their functional abilities, safety, and overall quality of life in their later years. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with 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.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Albuquerque, 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. Albuquerque's practice, Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary, is conveniently located in the SE: Acadia, Fairview, Willow Park East neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is situated near Historic Buildings and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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

Seeing a medical specialist in Canada usually requires a referral from your family doctor, like Dr. Albuquerque. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Albuquerque believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, she 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. Albuquerque will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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 Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

Does Dr. Albuquerque at Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Albuquerque at Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Albuquerque if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Alberta if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. You may find it helpful to check the website of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, ask for recommendations from friends or family, or contact local community health centres. A referral is usually required to see medical specialists.

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

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

How long do appointments with Dr. Albuquerque typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Albuquerque to discuss a specific health concern or for a follow-up lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary about the nature of your visit when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Albuquerque can be arranged.

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

Dr. Albuquerque practices as part of Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary, 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. Albuquerque, 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. Albuquerque for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in AB who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Alberta who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta's website may have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. 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 family doctor.

Sandra Albuquerque Clinic Calgary
211 Heritage Dr SE, Southwood Hospice
Calgary, AB, T2H 1M9

Phone: (403) 252-0620 | Website: http://www.beddingtontownecentre.ca/

Dr. Sandra Helena Albuquerque is regulated by the Health Professions Act (Alberta) in AB and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Registration Number: 14734

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=5617ac24-2a91-4c0b-9f0c-900ab030995d&i=53

Family doctors like Dr. Albuquerque 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.