Dr. Vera Kamenskaia

Dr. Vera Kamenskaia 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

• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• 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): Providing advice on RICE/POLICE principles (Rest/Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain relief options (analgesics, NSAIDs, heat/cold therapy), and gentle exercises for acute soft tissue injuries to promote healing.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Investigating causes of chronic or recurrent anemia (e.g., fatigue, pallor) through blood tests (CBC, iron studies, B12, folate, ferritin). Managing common types such as iron deficiency anemia (oral/IV iron supplementation, dietary advice) and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia (supplementation), and identifying/addressing underlying causes (e.g., malabsorption, chronic blood loss, dietary insufficiency).
• 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

• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being rather than solely on rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.
• 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.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and metabolic risks with personalized advice on prevention and management strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: Screening for signs and symptoms of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) during routine visits or when concerns arise. Providing initial support and psychoeducation, and facilitating timely referrals to specialized eating disorder programs, dietitians, and mental health professionals.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations according to provincial and national public health guidelines, ensuring children are fully protected.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Thorough health assessments tailored to age and gender, including physical examination, review of health history, risk factor assessment, and discussion of preventative strategies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kamenskaia. 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 Peterborough Regional Health Center, 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. Kamenskaia frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If questions or concerns about their child's growth, developmental milestones, or specific behaviors has put successfully and relatively stress-free managing daily commutes on often crowded or unpredictable public transport systems or by car in heavy traffic without significant exacerbation of physical pain or anxiety symptoms on hold, Dr. Kamenskaia works with patients toward experiencing significantly improved physical function, greater ease of mobility, and markedly reduced daily pain as a result of managing complex musculoskeletal issues or sports injuries under Dr. Kamenskaia's comprehensive guidance, treatment plan, and care coordination with allied health professionals, helping them regain their previous level of function.
• Struggling with a persistent hoarse voice or a lump in their neck that they are concerned about? Dr. Kamenskaia helps patients target feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Kamenskaia when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances, making a return to activities such as graciously hosting enjoyable social gatherings, dinner parties, or casual get-togethers for friends, colleagues, and family members in their home, feeling comfortable, energetic, and capable as a host more achievable.
• A key objective when treating a persistent feeling of bloating, abdominal discomfort, or noticeable changes in their bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) at Dr. Kamenskaia's clinic is getting timely, astute, and accurate diagnoses for puzzling, unusual, or concerning symptoms from Dr. Kamenskaia, leading to the prompt initiation of appropriate treatment pathways and significantly alleviating anxiety and uncertainty, supporting a comfortable return to thoroughly enjoying a wide and varied range of delicious and nutritious meals with family and friends, both at home and when dining out, without significant digestive discomfort, nagging pain, restrictive dietary limitations, or fear of adverse reactions.
• For patients where needing a medical form filled out for insurance claims, disability benefits, or a new job application is a concern, Dr. Kamenskaia focuses on plans that lead to feeling much more confident and competent in managing minor common illnesses at home for themselves or their children after receiving clear, practical instructions and valuable anticipatory guidance from Dr. Kamenskaia, supporting their ability to confidently and independently taking various modes of public transportation (bus, train, subway) when needed for commuting or leisure, without excessive physical difficulty, navigation challenges, or heightened anxiety about accessibility or safety.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Kamenskaia, 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. Kamenskaia's practice at Peterborough Regional Health Center is situated in a family medical practice in the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on their website. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a suitable doctor.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Kamenskaia?

For every appointment with Dr. Kamenskaia, please bring your valid provincial health card (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr. Kamenskaia for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Kamenskaia handle complex care?

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Kamenskaia does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

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 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 Peterborough Regional Health Center if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

Your family doctor (Ontario) 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.

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 in Ontario 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, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website, may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Peterborough Regional Health Center
306-7131 Bathurst St, Department of Anesthesia
Thornhill, ON, L4J 7Z1

Phone: (416) 300-1004

Dr. Vera Kamenskaia 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: 99835

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kamenskaia-Vera/0284243-99835

Family doctors like Dr. Kamenskaia 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.