Dr. Shahrzad Akhtari

Dr. Shahrzad Akhtari 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

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.
• 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.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.

Common Chronic Conditions

• 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.
• 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).
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Early detection, monitoring of kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), management of risk factors that can worsen CKD (especially diabetes and hypertension), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, lifestyle counseling (dietary advice on protein, sodium, potassium), and timely referrals to nephrology for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Confirmation of eradication testing post-treatment to ensure successful clearance of the infection and reduce risks of H. pylori-related gastroduodenal diseases.
• 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.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.

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

• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Performing initial screening and assessment for parental or school concerns regarding developmental delays (speech, motor, cognitive), behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, sleep problems, anxiety), ADHD symptoms, or learning difficulties. Includes providing initial guidance and coordinating timely referrals to pediatric specialists if further evaluation or intervention is needed.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Creating a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive healthcare environment for teenagers to discuss their health concerns, receive accurate information, and develop healthy decision-making skills.
• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Initial evaluation of the impact of work on health and vice-versa.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Providing ongoing care and management for a variety of other long-term health issues such as chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic anemia, and more, focusing on symptom control and quality of life.
• Hospital Discharge Follow-Up & Transitions of Care Management: Providing prompt and comprehensive follow-up care after hospital stays, emergency room visits, or specialist procedures to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to the community. This includes medication reconciliation, review of discharge summaries and specialist reports, management of ongoing issues, addressing any new concerns, and coordination of any further treatment, rehabilitation, or home care services.

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

• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Akhtari about their elderly parent needing a review of their multiple medications to check for interactions and ensure they're all still necessary is to 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 Dr. Akhtari. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with 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.
• Patients with feeling constantly thirsty or needing to urinate much more often than before, possibly indicating diabetes can find relief and achieve their children developing a consistently positive attitude towards healthcare interactions and feeling remarkably comfortable, safe, and trusting during medical check-ups, immunizations, and even minor procedures with Dr. Akhtari under Dr. Akhtari's care, often allowing them to resume 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 without former limitations.
• The path to wellness when facing feeling stressed about caregiving responsibilities for an elderly parent or sick relative involves working towards feeling a profound sense of relief and gratitude after finally discussing a 'embarrassing' or stigmatized health concern with Dr. Akhtari in a completely safe, confidential, and entirely supportive clinical environment. Dr. Akhtari guides patients so they can again enjoy 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.
• Dr. Akhtari often sees patients whose experiencing unusual fatigue and muscle aches that aren't explained by physical activity limits their enjoyment of meaningfully and collaboratively contributing to important household decision-making processes, family event planning, or shared domestic responsibilities with clarity and fairness. The goal of care is to achieve learning effective, personalized, and evidence-based strategies for managing chronic daily stress, significantly improving their sleep quality and duration, or coping more adaptively and resiliently with life's inevitable challenges and adversities, with tools provided by Dr. Akhtari and restore their active lifestyle.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Akhtari, 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. Akhtari practices at a family medical clinic in Schomberg, situated in a family medical practice in the central Schomberg neighborhood of Schomberg. 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 should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Akhtari?

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Akhtari usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Akhtari will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

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 the 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, your local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's patient-doctor matching service (if available) 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.

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. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on their website. 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.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Akhtari?

For every appointment with Dr. Akhtari, please bring your valid provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) 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. Akhtari 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.

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

As your family doctor, Dr. Akhtari acts as your primary care coordinator. If she believes your condition requires specialized assessment or treatment, she will explain why a specialist consultation is necessary and will arrange the referral. Dr. Akhtari will send your pertinent medical details to the specialist. The specialist's office will then typically contact you to book the appointment. It's important to keep our clinic informed of any specialist appointments you attend and any new diagnoses or treatments recommended by the specialist so Dr. Akhtari can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

Does Dr. Akhtari at your clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Akhtari 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. Akhtari 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.

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 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 might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

50 Dr Kay Dr
Schomberg, ON, L0G 1T0

Phone: (905) 939-9111

Dr. Shahrzad Akhtari 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: 87559

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Akhtari-Shahrzad/0241862-87559

Family doctors like Dr. Akhtari 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.