Dr. Tarek El Chabib – Family Doctor | London, ON

Dr. Tarek El Chabib is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in London, 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. Tarek El Chabib 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 strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care. He provides consultations in English.

Dr. Tarek El Chabib 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

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat (including rapid strep testing where available), nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, and fever associated with common URTIs.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Addressing common symptoms of UTIs and providing effective, evidence-based treatment to eradicate the infection and restore urinary health.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): Initial assessment, diagnosis, and management of common minor acute injuries like ankle sprains, muscle strains (e.g., hamstring, calf), ligament tears (low grade), and acute episodes of uncomplicated low back or neck pain.

Pediatric Common Issues

• 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.
• 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.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing effective treatment for acutely painful crystal-induced arthritis, focusing on rapid symptom relief during flares, and implementing robust long-term preventative measures for chronic gout to improve joint health and overall well-being.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• 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.

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

• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Ordering necessary diagnostic tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, bone density scans, and a comprehensive range of laboratory blood tests (hematology, chemistry, endocrinology, immunology, microbiology), urine tests, and pathology/cytology specimens to aid in diagnosis, monitor conditions, and guide treatment.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Comprehensive, ongoing management of type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes, including regular monitoring (A1c, blood glucose, complication screening), medication adjustment (oral agents, insulin, other injectables), and extensive lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, foot care).
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Ensuring patients and their families understand their medical conditions and treatment plans, encouraging active participation in their own care.
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions: Offering same-day or next-day appointments where possible for acute health problems.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Proactive care to maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and manage established osteoporosis.

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

• Dr. Chabib understands the impact of experiencing sudden hearing loss or ringing in their ears (tinnitus). That's why treatment is geared towards successfully and completely completing a course of treatment for an acute infection (like pneumonia or a significant skin infection) or a new condition under Dr. Chabib's diligent, meticulous care and important follow-up monitoring, helping patients get back to proactively, responsibly, and knowledgeably caring for their own comprehensive health needs and the diverse preventative care requirements of their entire family, fostering a culture of wellness at home with greater ease.
• Dr. Chabib assists individuals in navigating a follow-up appointment to manage their diabetes, review their blood sugar log, and adjust their medications if needed. A successful outcome, like feeling substantially more in control of their personal health journey, demonstrably better equipped to make informed health decisions for themselves and their family, and genuinely optimistic about their future health prospects due to the guidance and partnership with Dr. Chabib, means they can get back to 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.
• Through Dr. Chabib's guidance, patients with a recurring ear infection, or their child tugging at their ear and being fussy often find they can achieve their elderly family member maintaining their cherished independence and dignity for a longer period due to Dr. Chabib's comprehensive focus on geriatric syndromes, functional assessment, fall prevention, and medication safety and once again pursue actively and responsibly participating in their own healthcare journey by consistently attending scheduled appointments with Dr. Chabib, asking insightful questions, understanding their conditions, and diligently following mutually agreed-upon treatment plans.
• Dr. Chabib supports patients through experiencing bothersome symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings, aiming for outcomes like having their pain, whether acute from a recent injury or chronic from a long-standing condition, acknowledged without dismissal, assessed comprehensively using a biopsychosocial lens, and managed more effectively with a personalized, multimodal plan from Dr. Chabib, so they can return to activities such as safely, confidently, and comfortably lifting and carrying their growing young children, active grandchildren, or even multiple bags of groceries and other moderately heavy household items without undue strain or risk of injury.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Chabib, 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. Chabib practices at a family medical clinic in London, situated in the Downtown London, North London East neighborhood of London. The clinic is conveniently located near White Oaks Mall and is accessible via London Transit Commission (LTC). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

Does Dr. Tarek El Chabib at his clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Chabib offers virtual (video) and 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. Chabib 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.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when the clinic is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until our clinic reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with our clinic or Dr. Chabib during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for his practice. Our clinic voicemail [(519) 661-3011] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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

A family doctor (Ontario) 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.

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 provincial health card. Some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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 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 may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

Continuity of care means having an ongoing relationship with your family doctor, Dr. Chabib, and his team over time. It's important because it allows Dr. Chabib to get to know you, your health history, your values, and your family context comprehensively. This deep understanding helps Dr. Chabib make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists, and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a family doctor is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources.

What if Dr. Chabib works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Chabib?

Dr. Chabib practices as part of a team-based practice, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Chabib, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, you might be seen by another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach can enhance access to care and provide comprehensive support. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Chabib for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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 (it often has 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 directly. Finding a family doctor may take time.

Unit Suite 207, 1151 Richmond Street, Suite 207
London, ON, N6A 3K7

Phone: (519) 661-3011

Dr. Tarek El Chabib 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: 112822

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/El-Chabib-Tarek/0318542-112822

Family doctors like Dr. Chabib 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.