Dr. Sarah Tanguay

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

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (honey-crusted lesions), folliculitis (infected hair follicles), and uncomplicated cellulitis (localized skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling, pain) or erysipelas. Management includes topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, fusidic acid) for localized infections or oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin, cloxacillin, clindamycin) for more extensive or systemic involvement. Advice on wound care and hygiene.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Initial diagnosis and management of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, providing topical treatments (potent topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, combination products, coal tar preparations, emollients) and lifestyle advice (stress management, identifying triggers). Screening for psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Referral to dermatology for moderate to severe psoriasis (requiring phototherapy or systemic/biologic agents), psoriatic arthritis, or diagnostic uncertainty.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.

Mental Health Concerns

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Supportive counseling and practical guidance for stress-related symptoms and adjustment disorders, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Ongoing management and support for anxiety disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Helping individuals navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms, aiming to restore emotional well-being, daily functioning, and prevent relapse.

Preventative Health Topics

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, body composition, and overall health status. Providing guidance on evidence-based strategies for weight management including balanced nutrition (calorie awareness, portion control, whole foods), mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating, sleep optimization), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options (pharmacotherapy like GLP-1 agonists, orlistat; bariatric surgery referral) may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual clinical assessment.

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.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Regular monitoring of physical growth (height, weight, head circumference using growth charts), developmental milestones (gross motor, fine motor, language, social-emotional using tools like Rourke Baby Record or Greig Health Record), nutrition/feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula, introduction of solids, healthy eating for older children), and providing age-appropriate anticipatory guidance to parents/caregivers on safety (e.g., car seats, safe sleep, poison prevention, injury prevention), behavior, sleep, dental health, and fostering healthy habits from infancy through school age.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.
• 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.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and teenagers, including appropriate antibiotic stewardship.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Providing care for acute episodes of headache or dizziness/vertigo, offering relief strategies and guidance.
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Providing clear, understandable information about diagnosed health conditions, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and empowering patients with knowledge and skills for effective self-management (e.g., how to use an inhaler, monitor blood sugar, manage an action plan).
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of acute illnesses commonly affecting adults (e.g., respiratory infections, UTIs, skin conditions) and providing ongoing management for prevalent chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis).
• Coordination with Allied Health Professionals & Community Health Services: Working as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic, patient-centered care that addresses all aspects of your physical, mental, and social well-being.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Tanguay. 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 GMF-U de Lévis, 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 Tanguay frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Dr Tanguay to see patients with that persistent, dry cough that just won't seem to go away after a cold achieve receiving a clear, understandable, and timely diagnosis for their persistent health concern, finally bringing peace of mind and a concrete path forward for treatment or management under Dr Tanguay's care and return to important activities like passionately playing their favorite competitive or recreational sport – be it soccer on weekends, league hockey, a round of golf, a tennis match, or pickup basketball – regularly, skillfully, and without the constant dread of debilitating pain, flare-ups, or fear of re-injury.
• For many individuals, experiencing frequent or severe headaches or migraines that are disrupting their work and family life can be a real barrier. Dr Tanguay's approach focuses on achieving achieving significantly better control over chronic inflammatory or allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema, leading to markedly fewer disruptive flare-ups, reduced reliance on rescue medications, and an improved daily experience free from constant symptoms, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy effortlessly keeping up actively and playfully with their energetic young children, adventurous grandchildren, or even active pets, without getting easily winded, overly sore, or needing to sit out frequently.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Tanguay, 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 Tanguay practices at GMF-U de Lévis, a family medical practice in the central Saint-Romuald neighborhood of Saint-Romuald. 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.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr Tanguay?

For every appointment with Dr Tanguay, please bring your valid provincial health card (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr Tanguay for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit.

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 health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with GMF-U de Lévis if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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

Finding a family doctor can be challenging. Check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. You can also use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics.

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

With Dr Tanguay, preventative care means proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This includes immunizations, disease screenings, discussions about lifestyle modifications, and regular health assessments. Dr Tanguay creates a personalized prevention plan.

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

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding one who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Provincial resources may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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

Continuity of care means an ongoing relationship with your family doctor. It allows Dr Tanguay to understand your health history and needs, leading to better diagnoses, tailored treatments, and a trusting relationship. It's linked to better health outcomes.

How long do appointments with Dr Tanguay typically last?

Appointments typically last 10-15 minutes. New patient visits or complex issues may require longer appointments (30 minutes). Inform the reception staff when booking.

GMF-U de Lévis
100-1205 boul Guillaume-Couture
Saint-Romuald, QC, G6W 0J4

Phone: (418) 380-8597

Dr. Sarah Tanguay 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: 16395

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16395

Family doctors like Dr Tanguay 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.