Dr. Secondino D’Andrea – Family Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Secondino D'Andrea is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Toronto, ON, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He 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. 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. Secondino D'Andrea completed his Medical Degree. 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 holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; 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 is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Italian.

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

Joint Muscle Pain

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Management includes lifestyle advice (fluid management, avoiding bladder irritants), behavioral therapies (timed voiding), and prescription of medications such as alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin) to relax prostate/bladder neck muscles, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride) to shrink prostate volume. Monitoring for symptom improvement and medication side effects.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Adjusting thyroid medication based on symptoms and regular blood tests (TSH, free T4, thyroid antibodies) to maintain optimal thyroid function and well-being.
• 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).
• 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.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Investigating causes of chronic or recurrent anemia (e.g., fatigue, pallor) through blood tests (CBC, iron studies, B12, folate, ferritin). Managing common types such as iron deficiency anemia (oral/IV iron supplementation, dietary advice) and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia (supplementation), and identifying/addressing underlying causes (e.g., malabsorption, chronic blood loss, dietary insufficiency).

Mental Health Concerns

• 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.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.

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

• Cancer Screening Coordination (Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, Lung - as per guidelines): Proactive screening discussions and referrals for common cancers to ensure timely diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Screening for osteoporosis based on risk factors and age, ordering bone density scans (DXA) when appropriate, and managing osteoporosis with lifestyle advice (calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise), fall prevention strategies, and prescription of bone-building medications.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Expert management of prevalent adult health concerns to support optimal health, function, and quality of life.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Comprehensive primary care for chronic inflammatory and allergic skin conditions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Routine Health Check-ups & Physicals for Adults: Comprehensive care focused on health promotion and disease prevention throughout adulthood.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. D'Andrea. 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. Secondino D'Andrea'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. D'Andrea frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. D'Andrea's care for unexplained significant weight loss or gain that needs to be investigated by a doctor is designed to result in 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 him, so patients can resume activities such as skillfully and creatively cooking a wide variety of nutritious, flavorful, and delicious meals from scratch for themselves, their partners, and their families on a regular basis, finding joy in the process with confidence.
• It's rewarding for Dr. D'Andrea to see patients with difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a flare-up of their asthma or COPD that needs attention achieve having their unique cultural background, personal values, spiritual beliefs, and communication preferences consistently respected and thoughtfully incorporated into their personalized healthcare plan by an attentive and culturally sensitive him and return to important activities like easily and safely being able to kneel down to play on the floor with pets or young children, bend over to tie shoelaces or pick things up, or squat as needed for various daily tasks, gardening, or exercise routines without pain or instability.
• Dr. D'Andrea frequently helps patients who are dealing with preparing for international travel and needing advice on health precautions, necessary vaccinations, or malaria prevention. The primary aim is achieving feeling genuinely reassured, thoroughly well-informed about all aspects of their condition, and like an empowered, active partner in all decisions regarding their health status, treatment options, and long-term care strategies discussed with him, which often allows them to confidently resume nurturing and maintaining strong, supportive, and deeply fulfilling relationships with their immediate family members, close friends, and wider social network through regular, active, and meaningful engagement.
• Managing wanting to learn more about the shingles vaccine or other adult immunizations they might need effectively is a priority for Dr. D'Andrea. The aim is experiencing a marked and sustained improvement in their overall sense of well-being, daily energy levels, vitality, and a noticeable, positive enhancement in their day-to-day quality of life and functional capacity, which helps patients get back to enjoying compassionately providing meaningful emotional, practical, and sometimes physical support to close friends, extended family members, or community acquaintances who may be going through their own difficult times or personal crises.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. D'Andrea, 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. D'Andrea practices at a family medical clinic in Toronto, situated in the Kensington Market, Chinatown, Grange Park neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Rogers Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. D&#x27;Andrea?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. D'Andrea's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. D'Andrea. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. D'Andrea, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

Does Dr. D'Andrea at offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. D'Andrea at our clinic 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. D'Andrea if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with our clinic regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

How long do appointments with Dr. D&#x27;Andrea typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. D'Andrea vary based on the reason for the visit. For a quick follow-up or a straightforward issue, 10-15 minutes is common. For annual physicals, initial consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. D'Andrea will usually book a longer slot, like 30 minutes or sometimes more. Always try to be specific about your needs when booking your appointment at the clinic to ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. D'Andrea to address your concerns thoroughly.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. D&#x27;Andrea handle complex care?

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. D'Andrea does. He will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

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 in Ontario if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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 OHIP 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 a fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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

Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. 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. Finding a doctor may take time.

103-360 College St
Toronto, ON, M5T 1S6

Phone: (416) 975-0600

Dr. Secondino D'Andrea 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: 121785

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/DAndrea-Secondino/0331581-121785

Family doctors like Dr. D'Andrea 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.