Dr. Sarah Lyn Haggith Duncan – Family Doctor | Lively, ON

Dr. Sarah Lyn Haggith Duncan is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Montfort Hospital in Lively, ON, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She 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.

Dr. Duncan's 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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Dr. Sarah Lyn Haggith Duncan completed her Medical Degree. She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Sarah Lyn Haggith Duncan provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Assessment of acute headaches to differentiate types (e.g., tension headache, migraine, cervicogenic), provide initial pain relief strategies (analgesics, NSAIDs, triptans for migraine), identify potential triggers, and rule out serious underlying causes requiring urgent investigation.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): Initial assessment, diagnosis, and management of common minor acute injuries like ankle sprains, muscle strains (e.g., hamstring, calf), ligament tears (low grade), and acute episodes of uncomplicated low back or neck pain.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Diagnosis and management of common viral and bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx (e.g., common cold, influenza, acute sinusitis, strep throat, laryngitis), helping to relieve symptoms like cough, congestion, fever, and sore throat.

Joint Muscle Pain

• 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).
• 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.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular types) with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin), oral antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines for inflammatory acne/rosacea, if indicated), and comprehensive lifestyle/skincare advice (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, sun protection for rosacea, trigger avoidance for rosacea). Referral to dermatology for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne/rosacea.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Diagnosis (clinical, skin scraping/KOH preparation, fungal culture if needed) and treatment of common superficial fungal infections including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm - requires oral therapy), tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor), cutaneous candidiasis (e.g., intertrigo, diaper rash), and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). Treatment involves topical antifungal creams/lotions/shampoos (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole) or oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole) for more extensive, resistant, or nail/hair infections.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Infections (Respiratory, Urinary, Skin, GI): Assessing and treating acute conditions like common colds, influenza (flu), sore throats (including strep throat), ear infections (otitis media), sinus infections, bronchitis, uncomplicated pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections (e.g., cellulitis, impetigo), and gastroenteritis.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Proactive care to maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and manage established osteoporosis.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: Diagnosing and treating common causes of acute digestive upset, and offering supportive care to prevent complications.
• 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).
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: A sensitive and proactive approach to identifying potential eating disorders and connecting individuals with appropriate, specialized care.

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

• Dr. Duncan understands the impact of getting a comprehensive skin check for new or changing spots, especially with a history of significant sun exposure or family history of skin cancer. That's why treatment is geared towards feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Duncan when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances, helping patients get back to consistently maintaining good, ergonomic posture and avoiding musculoskeletal discomfort while working for extended periods at a computer station, office desk, or in other sedentary job roles with greater ease.
• When experiencing unexplained bruising more easily than before affects a patient's ability to proactively, responsibly, and knowledgeably caring for their own comprehensive health needs and the diverse preventative care requirements of their entire family, fostering a culture of wellness at home, Dr. Duncan works with them to develop a plan. Success means reaching markedly avoiding unnecessary, costly, or potentially risky specialist visits, diagnostic tests, or hospitalizations due to the proactive, thorough, and guideline-concordant primary care provided by Dr. Duncan and getting back to their valued pursuits.
• Patients often come to Dr. Duncan regarding their elderly relative seeming more confused or withdrawn lately. Working together, they aim for successfully achieving their specific, meaningful, and personal health goals, whether it's achieving sustainable and healthy weight management, successfully quitting smoking or vaping after multiple attempts, consistently maintaining improved physical fitness levels, or achieving significantly better daily pain control and function, making a return to successfully maintaining their cherished personal independence in all complex daily routines, intricate personal care tasks, and instrumental activities of daily living, which is especially crucial for aging seniors or individuals managing disabilities feasible.
• With Dr. Duncan's care, managing needing advice on managing their child's ADHD medication or school accommodations aims for benefiting from seamlessly and efficiently coordinated care, where Dr. Duncan actively and effectively liaises with other healthcare providers, specialists, pharmacists, and various community services on their behalf, ensuring everyone is on the same page, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like successfully and relatively stress-free managing daily commutes on often crowded or unpredictable public transport systems or by car in heavy traffic without significant exacerbation of physical pain or anxiety symptoms.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Duncan, 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. Duncan's practice at Montfort Hospital is situated in a family medical practice in the central Lively neighborhood of Lively. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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, but there are resources to help. 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. Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is also helpful. You can also contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a doctor.

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

Your family doctor (Ontario) 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.

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 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 Montfort Hospital if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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 if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Montfort Hospital
25 Black Lake Road, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Lively, ON, P3Y 1J3

Phone: (705) 692-1018

Dr. Sarah Lyn Haggith Duncan 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: 88496

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Duncan-Sarah-Lyn-Haggith/0249935-88496

Family doctors like Dr. Duncan 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.