Dr. Vitalie Railean – Family Doctor | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Vitalie Railean is a Médecin de famille. Practicing at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. Vitalie Railean completed his Family Medicine (2019). 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; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions. He offers consultations in French.

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

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Initial diagnosis and management of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, providing topical treatments (potent topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, combination products, coal tar preparations, emollients) and lifestyle advice (stress management, identifying triggers). Screening for psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Referral to dermatology for moderate to severe psoriasis (requiring phototherapy or systemic/biologic agents), psoriatic arthritis, or diagnostic uncertainty.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Diagnosing and managing common viral skin infections. This includes common/plantar warts and molluscum contagiosum (observation, cryotherapy, topical agents like salicylic acid or cantharidin). For Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV - cold sores/fever blisters, genital herpes): antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) for acute outbreaks or suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences, plus counseling on transmission. For Herpes Zoster (Shingles): prompt antiviral therapy to reduce severity/duration and risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), along with pain management. Shingles vaccination advice for eligible adults.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Management includes lifestyle advice (fluid management, avoiding bladder irritants), behavioral therapies (timed voiding), and prescription of medications such as alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin) to relax prostate/bladder neck muscles, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride) to shrink prostate volume. Monitoring for symptom improvement and medication side effects.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Assessment of acute headaches to differentiate types (e.g., tension headache, migraine, cervicogenic), provide initial pain relief strategies (analgesics, NSAIDs, triptans for migraine), identify potential triggers, and rule out serious underlying causes requiring urgent investigation.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Addressing sudden onset skin problems, providing effective treatment, advising on skin care and hygiene to promote healing, and identifying potential triggers for allergic or irritant conditions.

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

• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Management of common skin lesions, including simple diagnostic and removal procedures where appropriate within primary care.
• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Offering primary care support for work-related health issues, with referrals to occupational medicine specialists if needed.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, inflamed skin and maintain healthy skin barrier function.
• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Evaluating risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, including blood pressure measurement, cholesterol (lipid panel) screening, blood glucose testing, and assessing lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, smoking, family history). Includes initiation of preventative medications if indicated.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions, including initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities and coordination with endocrinology if needed.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr Railean. 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 Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, 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 Railean frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For those challenged by a cut that looks red, swollen, and might be infected, Dr Railean offers strategies to reach 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 Railean, which can mean rediscovering the joy of feeling mentally sharp, agile, and capable enough to readily engage in complex problem-solving tasks, intricate strategic thinking exercises, or detailed analytical work required in their profession or personal projects.
• The path to wellness when facing their child having a sudden high fever, being very irritable, and not acting like themselves involves working towards successfully and confidently navigating the often complex, fragmented, and sometimes overwhelming healthcare system with Dr Railean acting as their knowledgeable guide, steadfast advocate, and central, reliable coordinator of all their medical care. Dr Railean guides patients so they can again enjoy feeling physically strong, mentally resilient, and emotionally capable of consistently handling the often unpredictable and demanding day-to-day responsibilities of active parenting, grand-parenting, or intensive caregiving roles.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr Railean, 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. Railean practices at Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu, located in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near Fort Saint-Jean (Royal Military College) and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Finding a family doctor in Quebec who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The Collège des médecins du Québec often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. You can also use the Guichet d'accès à un médecin de famille (GAMF). Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is also helpful. Consider contacting local community health centres or clinics that specialize in accepting new patients. It may take time and persistence.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr Railean?

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

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 provincial health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What happens if Dr Railean determines I need to see a medical specialist?

Seeing a medical specialist in Canada usually requires a referral from your family doctor, like Dr Railean. After assessing your condition, if Dr Railean believes specialist care is necessary, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will send the information to the specialist, and you will be contacted to schedule your appointment. Specialist wait times can be long, so Dr Railean will continue to manage your care in the interim.

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.

How long do appointments with Dr Railean typically last?

Appointment times with Dr Railean vary. For a quick follow-up or a straightforward issue, 10-15 minutes is common. For annual physicals, initial consultations, or multiple health concerns, a longer slot (30 minutes or more) will be booked. Be specific about your needs when booking your appointment to ensure sufficient time.

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 if they are accepting new patients. However, finding one who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, like the Collège des médecins du Québec website, may be helpful. A referral *is* usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Hôpital du Haut-Richelieu
920 boul du Séminaire N
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3A 1B7

Phone: (450) 359-5000

Dr. Vitalie Railean 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: 19276

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19276

Family doctors like Dr Railean 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.