Dr. Thomas King Him Fung – Family Doctor | Siksika, AB

Dr. Thomas King Him Fung is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Siksika, 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. 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. Thomas King Him Fung completed his MD Doctor of Medicine (Queen's University, 2005). 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 advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

Dr. Thomas King Him Fung 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

• 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): Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children, such as otitis media (ear infections), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat - with rapid testing if available), common colds and influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea), uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and common skin infections (impetigo, cellulitis - mild).
• 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).
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Performing routine developmental surveillance and targeted screening (e.g., using Ages & Stages Questionnaires - ASQ) when parents or educators raise concerns regarding potential developmental delays (in speech/language, gross/fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, social-emotional development). Offering initial assessment and guidance for common behavioral issues (e.g., significant tantrums, sleep problems, childhood anxiety, aggression), symptoms suggestive of ADHD, or learning difficulties.

Preventative Health Topics

• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.
• 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.
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Primary care approach to identifying and managing deficiencies or chronic conditions that lead to persistent anemia.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Primary care strategies to protect and preserve kidney health, including tight blood pressure and glycemic control, and education on kidney-friendly habits.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Comprehensive management strategies for COPD, focusing on smoking cessation support (critical for slowing progression), appropriate pharmacological therapy (bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids), supplemental oxygen therapy assessment (if needed), pulmonary rehabilitation referrals, influenza/pneumococcal vaccinations, and proactive management of exacerbations to improve quality of life, reduce symptoms (breathlessness, chronic cough, sputum production), and slow disease progression.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Primary care coordination for back and neck pain, including referral to physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or specialist pain services when appropriate for persistent or disabling symptoms.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Management of acute migraine episodes or severe tension headaches, including advice on abortive medications, lifestyle adjustments during an attack, and strategies for future prevention.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.
• 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.

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

• Assessment & Management of Common Joint Pain (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Back): Diagnosing and providing primary care management for common musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis, mechanical low back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff tendinopathy, bursitis, and other non-specific joint or muscle pain.
• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Personalized treatment plans for acne and rosacea based on severity and skin type.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): A first point of contact for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, and clear pathways to specialized care and school supports.
• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Helping patients reduce their risk of fragility fractures through comprehensive bone health management.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Conducting medical examinations and completing forms required for driver's licenses (commercial, age-related), insurance purposes, employment, school, disability applications, or travel (fees typically apply for non-insured services).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fung. 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 Dr. Thomas King Him Fung'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. Fung frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients with feeling constantly thirsty or needing to urinate much more often than before, possibly indicating diabetes can find relief and achieve successfully managing their multiple (often complex) medications with significantly fewer side effects, demonstrably better adherence to the prescribed regimen, and a much clearer understanding of each medication's specific purpose, benefits, and potential interactions, thanks to Dr. Fung's careful oversight, often allowing them to resume compassionately providing meaningful emotional, practical, and sometimes physical support to close friends, extended family members, or community acquaintances who may be going through their own difficult times or personal crises without former limitations.
• Managing it being time for their regular comprehensive health check-up and physical exam effectively is a priority for Dr. Fung. The aim is experiencing a marked and sustained improvement in their overall sense of well-being, daily energy levels, vitality, and a noticeable, positive enhancement in their day-to-day quality of life and functional capacity, which helps patients get back to enjoying successfully maintaining their cherished personal independence in all complex daily routines, intricate personal care tasks, and instrumental activities of daily living, which is especially crucial for aging seniors or individuals managing disabilities.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Fung, 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. Fung's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Siksika, situated in the central Siksika neighborhood of Siksika. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Fung?

Preventative care with Dr. Fung focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious or cause symptoms. This involves a range of services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups (periodic health exams), age-appropriate cancer screenings (e.g., Pap tests, mammograms, colon cancer screening, PSA discussions), immunizations (flu shots, travel vaccines, routine boosters), blood pressure and cholesterol checks, screening for diabetes, counseling on healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, smoking cessation, responsible alcohol use), and risk assessments for various conditions. The primary goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early when they are most treatable, and promote your long-term health and well-being.

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 often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. It's important to be patient, as it may take time to find a doctor.

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 Alberta health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, 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.

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

A family doctor (Alberta) 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 the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta website, may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see medical specialists.

How often should I see Dr. Fung for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Fung varies based on your age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a full check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). For specific screening tests like Pap smears or mammograms, there are established provincial guidelines based on age and gender which Dr. Fung follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Fung to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care. Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ins can be important for early detection and health maintenance.

PO Box 1130
Siksika, AB, T0J 3W0

Phone: (403) 734-5690

Dr. Thomas King Him Fung 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: 014730

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=87137348-86e9-4ddf-83de-7aa4ecef7b22&i=493

Family doctors like Dr. Fung 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.