Dr. Zahra Alian – Family Doctor | Markham, ON

Dr. Zahra Alian is a Family Doctor. Practicing at The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center in Markham, ON, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her 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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Zahra Alian completed her Medical Degree. She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Farsi.

Dr. Zahra Alian 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

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Management of bladder and kidney infections with appropriate antibiotics based on likely pathogens and local resistance patterns, along with advice on prevention strategies for recurrent UTIs and symptom relief.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common acute skin issues including cellulitis (mild, uncomplicated), fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis), allergic rashes (e.g., hives, contact dermatitis), impetigo, shingles (herpes zoster), insect bites/stings with significant local reactions, and minor superficial burns.
• 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.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.
• 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.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.

Mental Health Concerns

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Providing compassionate, evidence-informed primary care and management strategies for those affected by depression and other common mood disorders, with a focus on recovery and long-term stability.

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

• 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.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common travel-related illnesses.
• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Comprehensive, age-appropriate check-ups for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on monitoring physical growth, developmental milestones (gross motor, fine motor, language, social-emotional), nutrition, vision/hearing screening, and providing anticipatory guidance to parents/caregivers on safety, behavior, and healthy habits.
• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance and quality of life.
• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Assessment and management of sudden onset skin rashes and other common skin ailments to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Alian. 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 The Ottawa Rehabilitation 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. Alian frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• The path to wellness when facing difficulty concentrating at work or school that's new for them involves working towards successfully and permanently quitting smoking, vaping, or significantly reducing harmful substance use with the consistent, non-judgmental, evidence-based support, counseling, and resources provided by Dr. Alian. Dr. Alian guides patients so they can again enjoy confidently travelling domestically for weekend getaways or internationally for extended explorations with greater assurance in their health, stamina, and ability to manage new foods, climates, and environments successfully.
• Addressing a new skin rash that's itchy, spreading quickly, or looks unusual and concerning with Dr. Alian often leads to 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, enabling patients to more freely engage in effectively and efficiently managing demanding professional work responsibilities, complex household tasks, and personal projects without undue physical fatigue, mental fog, or chronic pain limitations.
• Dr. Alian often sees patients whose needing a medical form filled out for insurance claims, disability benefits, or a new job application limits their enjoyment of actively and responsibly participating in their own healthcare journey by consistently attending scheduled appointments with Dr. Alian, asking insightful questions, understanding their conditions, and diligently following mutually agreed-upon treatment plans. The goal of care is to 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. Alian's careful oversight and restore their active lifestyle.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Alian, 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. Alian practices at The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center, located in the Thornhill East (part of Vaughan) neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Uptown Market and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Can Dr. Alian help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Alian plays a crucial role in mental healthcare. She is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Alian can provide an initial assessment, offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated, and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care is needed. Dr. Alian can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

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

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Alian can vary 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. Alian follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Alian 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.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Alian?

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Alian usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Alian will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

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 provincial health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list. 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. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging and may take time.

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

Dr. Alian practices as part of The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Alian, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, 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. Alian for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging, and provincial resources (like Health Care Connect in Ontario, a local health authority website, or the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons patient-doctor matching service, if available) may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center
unit 267-7163 Yonge Street
Markham, ON, L3T 0C8

Phone: (289) 818-8080

Dr. Zahra Alian 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: 115803

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Alian-Zahra/0324106-115803

Family doctors like Dr. Alian 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.