Dr. Simon Peter Ward – Family Doctor | Wetaskiwin, AB

Dr. Simon Peter Ward is a Family Doctor (Emergency Medicine Focus in Family Practice). Practicing at Tower Professional Clinic in Wetaskiwin, AB, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. He brings experience from emergency medicine settings to provide comprehensive family practice care, with enhanced skills in assessing and managing acute, urgent medical conditions and minor trauma within the primary care scope. This often involves quick decision-making and stabilization before referral if necessary. Dr. Ward serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Simon Peter Ward completed his MB ChB (South Africa, 2005). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as Family Practice with Experience/Focus in Emergency Medicine 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 strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Afrikaans.

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

Trauma Injury Primary Care

• Animal & Human Bites - Wound Care & Infection Prophylaxis: Initial assessment and management of animal bites (e.g., dog, cat) and human bites, including thorough wound irrigation and cleaning, assessment for damage to underlying structures (tendons, nerves, joints), debridement of devitalized tissue if minor, and determining the need for prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate is common for many bites) based on bite type, location, depth, and patient risk factors. Tetanus immunization update and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis consideration (especially for wild animal bites or unprovoked domestic animal bites where rabies status is unknown) in consultation with public health.
• Minor Burns (Superficial & Partial Thickness - Limited Area): Assessment and management of minor thermal, chemical, or electrical burns (superficial first-degree and small, uncomplicated superficial partial-thickness second-degree burns). This includes immediate cooling advice, wound cleaning, application of appropriate topical agents (e.g., antibiotic ointments, silver sulfadiazine if indicated, specialized burn dressings), pain management, and tetanus immunization status review.
• Insect Stings & Bites with Significant Local Reactions or Tick Removal: Safe removal of embedded ticks (e.g., deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease) using fine-tipped tweezers, cleaning the bite site, and providing information on signs/symptoms of tick-borne illnesses (e.g., Lyme disease rash - erythema migrans) and when to seek follow-up. Discussion of Lyme disease prophylaxis with antibiotics in high-risk tick bites according to local guidelines.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Proactive, team-based care (often involving dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists) for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, aiming to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall quality of life.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Helping individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema manage their symptoms effectively, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain the best possible lung function through a multidisciplinary approach.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Diagnosing and providing ongoing treatment for common forms of anemia to maintain energy levels and overall health.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Developing personalized strategies to reduce chronic joint and muscle pain, improve mobility and function, enhance coping mechanisms, and improve overall quality of life for those living with conditions like arthritis, persistent back pain or fibromyalgia.

Preventative Health Topics

• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Educating patients and families on routine infection prevention and control measures (e.g., hand hygiene, cough etiquette, staying home when sick). Providing guidance during community outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., influenza, measles, pertussis, COVID-19), including advice on testing, isolation/quarantine, and public health recommendations.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Providing personalized, evidence-based advice on adopting and maintaining a balanced diet (e.g., Canada's Food Guide, Mediterranean diet, plant-based options), engaging in regular physical activity (aerobic, strength, flexibility - meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines), achieving optimal sleep hygiene, and implementing effective stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation) to promote overall health, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance well-being.

Cardiovascular Metabolic

• Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD - Conservative Management & Risk Factor Reduction): Primary care strategies to alleviate symptoms of claudication (leg pain with exertion), improve walking distance, prevent disease progression, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and limb loss in patients with PAD.
• Obesity as a Chronic Disease & Metabolic Syndrome Management: Supporting individuals in their journey towards a healthier weight and metabolic profile through personalized, multidisciplinary (often involving dietitians, kinesiologists, psychologists) interventions and long-term follow-up and support.
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus - Collaborative Primary Care Management: Facilitating access to comprehensive care for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes, addressing both their diabetes-specific needs (e.g., prescription renewals for supplies, managing intercurrent illnesses) and their overall primary health requirements throughout their lifespan.
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF - Stable Chronic Management, Both HFrEF & HFpEF): Supporting patients with chronic heart failure to manage their condition effectively at home, recognize early signs of worsening (decompensation), and engage actively in their care plan.

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

• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Connecting you with the most suitable medical experts and services for further investigation, management, or treatment of complex or specific conditions, ensuring clear communication of referral reasons and relevant history.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Proactive health evaluations designed to detect potential health issues early, manage existing conditions, and promote long-term wellness.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Support and treatment for chronic lung diseases, including referrals for pulmonary rehabilitation and specialist care when indicated.
• Skin Lesion Removal (Benign Moles, Skin Tags, Cysts, Warts): Quick and straightforward in-clinic procedures for addressing bothersome benign skin lesions.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common international destinations. This includes risk assessment based on itinerary, advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (malaria, dengue, Zika), altitude sickness prevention, and administration of necessary routine and travel-specific vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if certified). Complex itineraries may require referral.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ward. 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 Tower Professional Clinic, 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. Ward frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Managing wanting to discuss various birth control options to find what's best for them, or needing a Pap test effectively is a priority for Dr. Ward. The aim is receiving necessary, appropriate, and well-coordinated timely referrals to highly-regarded specialists or specialized programs, leading to advanced specialized diagnosis, cutting-edge treatment, or valuable second opinions when required for complex or rare health issues, all facilitated by Dr. Ward, which helps patients get back to enjoying feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr. Ward for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives.
• For those challenged by preparing for international travel and needing advice on health precautions, necessary vaccinations, or malaria prevention, Dr. Ward offers strategies to reach experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr. Ward's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments, which can mean rediscovering the joy of joyfully and responsibly taking care of beloved family pets, which includes activities like daily walking, regular feeding, grooming, active playtime, and providing necessary veterinary care.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Ward, 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. Ward's practice at Tower Professional Clinic is situated in a family medical practice in central Wetaskiwin neighborhood of Wetaskiwin. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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 website often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or a list of physicians. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or clinics directly that specialize in accepting new patients may also be helpful. It may take time to find a suitable doctor.

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

A family doctor (Albertan) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

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 they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor accepting new patients can be difficult. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website, may assist in finding a physician. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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 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 may have an associated fee. Please confirm with Tower Professional Clinic if you have questions about specific services.

Can Dr. Ward help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Ward is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. He can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Ward is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

Tower Professional Clinic
5520 50 Ave
Wetaskiwin, AB, T9A 0T3

Phone: (780) 352-9700 | Website: https://www.wetaskiwinpcn.ca/list-of-physicians

Dr. Simon Peter Ward 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: 20618

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=736b2e30-7f85-4c94-aacc-9bb6e4e72bb2&i=1529

Family doctors like Dr. Ward 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.