Dr. Tracy Kawass

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

Joint Muscle Pain

• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Diagnosing (often clinical, supported by serum uric acid levels; joint aspiration for crystal analysis if diagnostically uncertain or to rule out septic arthritis) and managing acute gout or pseudogout attacks with appropriate anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like naproxen/indomethacin, colchicine, oral or intra-articular corticosteroids).
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Initial assessment, diagnosis, and conservative management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction related to repetitive tasks, sustained awkward postures, or ergonomic factors at work or during hobbies. This includes common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (mild-moderate), de Quervain's tenosynovitis, epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow), trigger finger/thumb, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and non-specific arm/neck/shoulder pain attributable to overuse.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).

Preventative Health Topics

• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Administering vaccinations to prevent communicable diseases and playing a role in community-level surveillance and reporting as required by public health authorities.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common and some less common international destinations. This includes a detailed risk assessment based on itinerary (country, region, urban/rural, length of stay, type of travel); advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (e.g., for malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya), altitude sickness prevention, and management of common travel-related ailments (e.g., traveler's diarrhea). Also includes administration of necessary routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Flu) and specific travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if a designated center, Rabies pre-exposure, Japanese Encephalitis considerations). Malaria chemoprophylaxis prescription if indicated. Complex itineraries or immunocompromised travelers may require referral to a specialized travel clinic.
• 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.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Conducting routine medical examinations as required by provincial transportation authorities for driver's license issuance or renewal, particularly for commercial drivers (truck, bus, taxi) or as mandated by age (e.g., for seniors at specific intervals). Assessing medical fitness to drive based on established national and provincial medical standards, including vision, hearing, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, neurological status, and medication review.

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.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Ensuring a healthy start for newborns with regular check-ups, timely interventions if issues arise, and resources for parental education and support.

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

• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Dedicated, non-judgmental support for your journey to become smoke-free, improving your immediate and long-term health significantly.
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Providing care for acute episodes of headache or dizziness/vertigo, offering relief strategies and guidance.
• Hospital Discharge Follow-Up & Transitions of Care Management: Providing prompt and comprehensive follow-up care after hospital stays, emergency room visits, or specialist procedures to ensure a smooth and safe transition back to the community. This includes medication reconciliation, review of discharge summaries and specialist reports, management of ongoing issues, addressing any new concerns, and coordination of any further treatment, rehabilitation, or home care services.
• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Differentiating between benign and suspicious skin lesions, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if skin cancer is suspected.
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions: Offering same-day or next-day appointments where possible for acute health problems.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Kawass. 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 GMF-U du Marigot, 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 Kawass frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Through Dr Kawass's guidance, patients with their elderly parent needing a review of their multiple medications to check for interactions and ensure they're all still necessary often find they can achieve 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 Kawass and once again pursue independently and efficiently performing all personal grooming and hygiene tasks (bathing, dressing, toileting) without any difficulty, assistance, or associated pain, maintaining their dignity.
• With Dr Kawass's care, managing a cut that looks red, swollen, and might be infected aims for their entire family having a central, trusted, and welcoming medical home base with Dr Kawass and the clinic team, which greatly simplifies their healthcare journey and provides a sense of security and belonging, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like simply and thankfully getting through each and every day without their physical or mental health being a primary, constant source of pervasive worry, nagging discomfort, significant functional limitation, or a barrier to their desired activities.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Kawass, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Kawass practices at GMF-U du Marigot, located in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. The clinic enjoys convenient proximity to Autoroute 15 Access and is easily accessible via Société de transport de Laval (STL). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Quebec if that doctor is 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 finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when GMF-U du Marigot 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 GMF-U du Marigot reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams offer after-hours on-call services; please check with GMF-U du Marigot or Dr. Kawass during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place. Our clinic voicemail <a href="tel:(450) 668-1506">(450) 668-1506</a> may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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

Dr. Kawass practices as part of a team at GMF-U du Marigot, which means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals. While the goal is to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Kawass, for some urgent issues or routine follow-ups, 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. Kawass for complex or ongoing issues.

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

Your family doctor (Médecin de famille) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee the care of long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care they provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Is seeing a family doctor (Médecin de famille) covered by Régie de l&#x27;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 provincial health card. Some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with GMF-U du Marigot if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr Kawass?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request to Dr. Kawass's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for processing. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics), or if it has been a while since your last review, an appointment will be required. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups varies based on your age, health, and risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need less frequent check-ups, while older adults or those with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits. Discuss your individual needs with Dr. Kawass to determine an appropriate schedule.

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

Check the website of the Collège des médecins du Québec. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres. Finding a family doctor may take time.

GMF-U du Marigot
1351 boul des Laurentides
Laval, QC, H7M 2Y2

Phone: (450) 668-1506

Dr. Tracy Kawass 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: 20649

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20649

Family doctors like Dr Kawass 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.