Dr. Suzanne Louise Rutherford – Family Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Suzanne Louise Rutherford is a dedicated Family Doctor, committed to providing comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families of all ages. Practicing at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Ottawa, ON, she is a trusted primary care provider in the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, safe, and ethical care. The clinic offers a welcoming environment for patients of all ages, focusing on accessible, continuous, and comprehensive primary healthcare.

Dr. Rutherford earned her Medical Degree from The Flinders University of South Australia (Australia). Following this, she completed a residency program in Family Medicine, leading to certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) or an equivalent recognized body. She has been practicing as a Family Doctor since 2009, accumulating over 15 years of experience in family medicine. She is recognized as a CFPC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Her professional philosophy centers on building long-term relationships with her patients and their families to provide personalized, continuous care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, involving individuals in decisions about their health and treatment plans. Committed to evidence-based medicine and lifelong learning, she strives to offer the highest quality of care. Dr. Rutherford promotes preventative health and wellness to help her patients achieve their best possible health outcomes and advocates for their needs within the broader healthcare system. She offers all patient communication and care in English, with a dedication to supporting her community’s health and well-being in Ottawa.

Dr. Suzanne Rutherford provides comprehensive care for a wide range of health concerns, including:

Chronic Disease Management

Dr. Rutherford manages focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, optimizing medications, supporting self-management, and improving overall quality of life.

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes: Emphasis on lifestyle modification, nutrition, and patient education for effective self-care.
• Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol and Triglycerides): Monitoring for treatment effectiveness and potential side effects.
• Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Support for smoking cessation in patients with COPD.

Women's Health and Maternity Care

Dr. Rutherford manages providing a broad range of healthcare services specific to women's needs throughout their lifespan.

• Routine Gynecological Care (Pap Tests, Breast Health): Providing education on breast self-awareness and facilitating mammogram referrals.
• Prenatal and Postnatal Care (Low-Risk Obstetrics): Providing comprehensive care throughout low-risk pregnancies, including regular check-ups, monitoring maternal and fetal well-being, and nutritional advice.
• Family Planning and Contraception: Advice on emergency contraception when needed.

Acute and Common Illnesses

Dr. Rutherford manages includes respiratory infections like colds and flu, ear and throat infections, urinary tract infections, minor skin conditions, and common digestive upsets.

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Uncomplicated Cystitis: Advice on preventing recurrence, especially in susceptible individuals.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Minor Back Pain): Advice on RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain relief, and when to seek further imaging or physiotherapy.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Media) and Sore Throats (Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis): Diagnosis and treatment of common ear, nose, and throat conditions, including middle ear infections and strep throat.

This list is not exhaustive. For a complete assessment of your health needs, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Suzanne Rutherford.

• Coordination of Specialist Care and Referrals: Ensuring effective communication and continuity of care between all healthcare providers involved in a patient's treatment.
• Mental Health Support and Initial Management: Providing assessment, counseling, and initial treatment for common mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders, and insomnia.
• Pediatric Care (Well-Child and Sick Visits): Guidance for parents on nutrition, growth, behavior, and safety.
• Preventative Health Screenings and Immunizations: Cardiovascular risk factor assessment (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose) and lifestyle modification counseling.
• Chronic Disease Management and Prevention: Developing individualized care plans, monitoring disease progression, optimizing medications, and coordinating with specialists.
• Low-Risk Maternity and Newborn Care: Comprehensive postnatal care for both mother and newborn, including breastfeeding support.

Note: This list provides an overview of common services. Your specific care plan will be determined after a consultation with Dr. Rutherford.

All family medicine services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) and relevant provincial clinical practice guidelines. Patients typically do not require a referral to see a family doctor if the practice is accepting new patients.

Dr. Rutherford primarily practices at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Ottawa, ON, providing accessible and comprehensive primary care services. The clinic is conveniently located in the Bells Corners, Lynwood Village neighborhood, near Ottawa City Hall (Lisgar St entrance). Easily accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus routes), the facility is designed for patient comfort and accessibility. Patients can find convenient parking options close to the medical office. The environment fosters a welcoming experience for all ages, emphasizing continuity and quality in primary healthcare services.

What kind of preventative healthcare can I expect from Dr. Rutherford?

Dr. Rutherford strongly emphasizes preventative care to help you maintain optimal health. This typically includes routine physical examinations, age-appropriate screening tests (e.g., for various cancers, diabetes, high cholesterol), immunizations for children and adults, blood pressure monitoring, and personalized counseling on healthy lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management.

What exactly is a Family Doctor like Dr. Rutherford?

Dr. Rutherford is a Family Doctor, your main partner in health. She is trained to care for most health needs of your entire family, from babies to grandparents, focusing on holistic well-being, disease prevention, and managing ongoing health conditions. She provides comprehensive and continuous healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and a wide spectrum of health issues.

Do I typically need a referral from another doctor to see Dr. Rutherford as my family doctor?

No, a referral is not usually required to register with Dr. Rutherford as your family doctor. If Dr. Rutherford's clinic is taking on new patients, you can typically self-refer by calling their office to find out the steps for becoming a patient. You can reach the clinic at (613) 722-2000.

If I need specialized medical care, how does Dr. Rutherford help?

Dr. Rutherford serves as the main coordinator for your healthcare journey. Should you need specialized treatment, she will determine the most suitable type of specialist for your needs, issue the referral, and ensure a seamless transfer of relevant medical history. Following your specialist consultation, Dr. Rutherford will typically discuss the findings and integrate the recommendations into your ongoing care plan.

When is it appropriate to see a Family Doctor like Dr. Rutherford?

A visit to Dr. Rutherford is suitable for almost all non-emergency health issues. This includes regular physical exams, vaccinations, addressing new symptoms, managing long-term health problems, and seeking guidance on lifestyle changes. She is your first point of contact for navigating the healthcare system.

What are some of the most common health problems Dr. Rutherford treats?

As a Family Doctor, Dr. Rutherford frequently cares for patients with conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, common infections (e.g., strep throat, bronchitis), musculoskeletal issues (e.g., back pain, joint pain), anxiety, depression, as well as performing well-child visits, women's health check-ups, and offering lifestyle and mental wellness advice. She provides comprehensive and continuous healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and a wide spectrum of health issues.

Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
3045 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K2H 8P4

Office Phone: (613) 722-2000

Dr. Rutherford is a licensed Family Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in Ontario. Patients typically do not require a referral to see Dr. Rutherford if the clinic is accepting new patients. Services are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Rutherford's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rutherford-Suzanne-Louise/0225894-85172