Dr. Thomas C. O'Neill

Dr. Thomas C. O'Neill provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Pediatric Common Issues

• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate comprehensive primary care for teenagers (typically ages 12-18+). Addressing a wide range of issues including pubertal development, acne, body image concerns, sports injuries, mental health (screening for anxiety, depression, stress, eating disorders), sexual health education (contraception, STI prevention/screening, healthy relationships), substance use (screening, brief intervention, counseling), and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, responsible digital media use).
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Comprehensive preventative care designed to support the healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children from birth, building a strong foundation for lifelong health.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Helping children and their families manage long-term health conditions effectively, enabling active participation in all aspects of childhood including school, sports, and play, while minimizing symptoms and exacerbations.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood vaccines (e.g., DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate (Groups A,C,Y,W-135 and Group B), Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza) to protect against serious and preventable infectious diseases, according to current provincial and national (NACI) guidelines.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Comprehensive care for individuals with asthma and related allergies, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management skills, and emergency preparedness for asthma attacks.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Long-term support and care for managing the symptoms of degenerative joint disease and other chronic musculoskeletal pain, focusing on self-management and maintaining an active lifestyle.
• 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.

Preventative Health Topics

• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains of life for a better quality of life, increased resilience, and proactive disease prevention through shared goal setting and ongoing support.

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

• Immunizations & Vaccinations (Infant, Child, Adult, Travel): Administering a full range of routine childhood and adult immunizations, booster shots (e.g., tetanus, pertussis), seasonal flu vaccines, and common travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid) to protect against preventable infectious diseases.
• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Management of common skin lesions, including simple diagnostic and removal procedures where appropriate within primary care.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Helping patients manage their heart health long-term after cardiac events or diagnoses, focusing on secondary prevention and maintaining functional capacity.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Diagnosing and managing conditions resulting from repetitive stress or overuse, such as tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (initial management).
• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages and receives all recommended preventative health screenings and immunizations from birth through their teen years.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr O'Neill. 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 Médecin de familles in QC and the ethical and professional standards set by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CISSO, 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 O'Neill frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For patients where needing advice on managing their child's ADHD medication or school accommodations is a concern, Dr O'Neill focuses on plans that lead to markedly avoiding unnecessary, costly, or potentially risky specialist visits, diagnostic tests, or hospitalizations due to the proactive, thorough, and guideline-concordant primary care provided by Dr O'Neill, supporting their ability to consistently sleeping soundly and deeply through the entire night on a regular basis and waking up feeling genuinely refreshed, fully restored, and ready to embrace the day ahead with clarity.
• For many individuals, their teenager expressing concerns about their body image or eating habits can be a real barrier. Dr O'Neill's approach focuses on achieving gaining a much clearer and personalized understanding of their individual health risks (e.g., cardiovascular disease based on Framingham score, inherited cancer predispositions, osteoporosis risk) and practical, actionable, evidence-based steps they can realistically take to mitigate these risks effectively, making it possible for patients to once again enjoy 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.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr O'Neill, 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 O'Neill practices at CISSO, a family medical practice in the central Shawville neighborhood of Shawville. 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.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, such as the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with CISSO if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

Does Dr O'Neill at CISSO offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr O'Neill at CISSO 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, or prescription renewals for ongoing medications (excluding controlled substances). However, many conditions requiring a physical examination will necessitate an in-person visit. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr O'Neill if a virtual appointment is suitable for your needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with CISSO regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

What happens if Dr O'Neill determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr O'Neill determines you need a specialist, he will discuss this with you and initiate a referral. This involves sending a referral letter and your medical information to the specialist. Wait times vary. CISSO staff will inform you once the referral is sent; the specialist's office will contact you to schedule an appointment. Follow up with CISSO if you haven't heard from the specialist within a reasonable timeframe.

What exactly is a family doctor (Médecin de famille) and what is their role?

A family doctor (Médecin de famille) is a physician who provides continuous and comprehensive medical care to patients of all ages. Their role includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, offering health education, and acting as your advocate within the healthcare system.

How can I find a family doctor (Médecin de famille) in QC who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in QC who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec, ask for recommendations, or contact local community health centres. Provincial resources may also offer assistance in finding a physician.

CISSO
200 crois Argue
Shawville, QC, J0X 2Y0

Phone: (819) 647-2211

Dr. Thomas C. O'Neill is regulated by the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec) in QC and is a registered member in good standing with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Registration Number: 77338

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=77338

Family doctors like Dr O'Neill 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.