The Family Practice Health Centre at Women's College Hospital (WCH) provides comprehensive primary care for women and men of all age groups - from newborns to the elderly. We are one of the largest clinics in Ontario, providing more than 70,000 visits per year to our patients.
Service Announcement
WCH continues to balance patient care activities with public health measures and health system needs. As directed by Ontario Health we have had to reduce some elective surgeries and other non-emergent/non-urgent clinical activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some surgeries/procedures and some clinical appointments will need to be rescheduled.
If there are any changes to your appointment or scheduled procedure you will be notified directly. We know this is not an ideal situation, but rest assured that the health and safety of our patients and community is our top priority.
COVID-19 Update
Family Practice Vaccine Clinic
As your Family Practice health team, we are committed to helping you get vaccinated against COVID-19 and we are running clinics for our patients by appointment only. We anticipate offering more clinics in the coming weeks. Questions and concerns should be addressed with your primary care provider before your appointment.
| When: Thursdays & Fridays |
| Vaccine: Moderna |
| By Appointment Only: Click here to book |
| Who: Women's College Hospital Family Practice & Crossroads Clinic patients |
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Eligibility:
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At Women’s College Hospital Family Practice, our goal is to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible while continuing to provide necessary care and also support our greater healthcare system with the COVID pandemic.
In order to do so, until further notice we will:
- CONTINUE to offer essential services, as usual. This includes urgent care appointments, routine prenatal care, and newborn visits/pediatric immunizations.
- OFFER TELEPHONE/VIDEO appointments with your provider for timely, but less urgent concerns. This may include prescription renewals, blood pressure/diabetes checks, and new, less urgent concerns
- DEFER any new bookings for some non-urgent concerns. This may include visits such as: periodic health exams (“physicals”), well child visits, pap tests, ear syringing, new patient appointments.
As a reminder:
- We are not accepting walk-ins at this time. If you require an appointment or health advice, please call us first at 416-323-6060.
- If you are coming in for a scheduled appointment and have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID please call and notify us prior to your appointment.
- For your safety, only essential visitors will be allowed in the building. For example, one parent/guardian of a patient under 18 years, or an essential caregiver/support person.
Resources:
- Webinar (March 30, 2021) - COVID-19 Vaccine: What's It All About?
- Webinar (May 26, 2021) - COVID-19: Keeping You Informed
- COVID-19 Resource Hub
Referrals
For patients looking for a new family physician please see the section below on Referrals.
We have a group of family physicians who provide excellence in low risk obstetrical care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period - including delivery at Mount Sinai Hospital. We are always accepting new prenatal patients. For more information please see Family Way Obstetrics or call 416-323-6060 x 4867.
Prenatal & Postpartum Services
For information on Childbirth Education Classes, Infant CPR and/or Breast Pump program please see the Prenatal & Postpartum Services at Women's College Hospital.
See the physicians of the Family Way Obstetrical Group answer some of the most common questions posed by patients and their families about planning pregnancy, being pregnant and giving birth as well as bringing home a newborn during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Your Care
The Family Practice Health Center at Women’s College Hospital uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive primary care. We provide all primary-care services, plus a range of additional services, including:
- low-risk obstetrics
- special minor procedures clinic (referral required)
- sexual medicine counselling (referral required)
- occupational therapy
- social work
- foot care
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Groups
- Diabetes Education and Self-Management Support
Please note that some services listed above are available only to patients of the Family Practice Health Centre. We accept outside referrals for low-risk obstetrics, minor procedures and sexual medicine counselling.If you or your family have a concern or suggestion for improvement please contact Andre Bowen, Family Health Team Executive Director and Manager of Family Practice at 416-323-6400 extension 4595, or email Andre.bowen@wchospital.ca.
Research & Clinical Trials
For information on our research initiatives, please contact: Dr. Sheila Dunn, Research Director, Family Practice Health Centre at 416-323-4977.Health Professionals & SCOPE
If you are a health professional and seeking information on the Seamless Care Optimizing the Patient Experience (SCOPE) initiative, please visit: https://www.uhn.ca/healthcareprofessionals/SCOPE
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Clinic Hours & Appointments
Visits are available during the times listed below by appointment only.
Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Urgent Care Appointments are available by appointment only.
Monday to Thursday 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
We are closed between noon and 1 p.m.
Making an Appointment
Please call the main line at 416-323-6060 to schedule an appointment.Saturday Urgent Care Clinic
Appointments are available for registered patients of Family Practice:Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Appointments must be booked the same day between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.Walk-in appointments are accepted, but pre-booked Saturday appointments take precedence over walk-ins unless there is a triaged medical urgency.
Urgent After-Hours Care
Urgent Care Appointments are available by appointment only.Monday to Thursday 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Our Resident On Call Service is available for all registered Family Practice patients:
Evenings, weekends and holidays from 5 p.m. – 8 a.m.
Please call 416-323-7303 and ask to speak with the family practice resident on call or dial the main phone line and follow the prompts -
Our Team
The Family Practice Health Center at Women’s College Hospital is divided into four teams: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow. Each team is comprised of, but not limited to, a variety of health professionals and administrative support including:
- family doctors
- nurse practitioners
- family practice nurses
- registered practical nurses
- dietitians
- occupational therapists
- social workers
- pharmacists
- executive director/manager
- administrative support staff
- program coordinator
- health promotor
- secretaries
- health records staff
- clinical aides
For more information on the roles of these health care providers and others you may interact with, please see the FAQs tab.
Teams & Fax Numbers
Red A | Fax: 416-323-6350
Dr. Tuhina Biswas
Dr. Betty Chen
Dr. Darren Larsen
Dr. Sam Nutt
Dr. Sheryl Spithoff
Lauren Scott (Courtney May Locum) NPRed B | Fax: 416-323-6345
Dr. Viola Antao
Dr. Melissa de Souza
Dr. Ruth Heisey
Dr. Jordana Sheps
Dr. Karen Wong
Dr. Summer GillGreen A | Fax: 416-323-6485
Dr. Onil Bhattacharyya
Dr. Danielle Martin
Dr. Vanessa Rambihar (Dr. Multani Locum)
Dr. Carrie Schram
Dr. Hemen Shukla
Dr. Cynthia WhiteheadGreen B | Fax: 416-323-6255
Dr. Noah Ivers
Dr. Carol Kitai
Dr. Jesse Myers
Dr. Laura Stratton (Locum)Yellow A | Fax: 416-323-6332
Dr. Susie Kim
Dr. Aisha Lofters
Dr. Nikita Patel
Dr. Charissa Chen
Dr. Jonah Schermbrucker
Jessie Bawden, NPYellow B | Fax: 416-323-6351
Dr. Sheila Dunn
Dr. Kymm Feldman
Dr. Batya Grundland
Dr. Nick Pimlott
Dr. Orli ShacharBlue A | Fax: 416-323-6402
Dr. Rob Dmytryshyn
Dr. Stephen Holzapfel
Dr. Deborah Levitan
Dr. Melinda WuBlue B | Fax: 416-323-6135
Dr. Patel Agarwal
Dr. Diana Hsiang
Dr. Bradley Lichtblau
Dr. Dara Maker
Dr. Claire Murphy -
FAQs
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How do I find out my test results?
We generally do NOT call patients with test results. Appropriate followup will be arranged; please speak to your individual healthcare team. Due to the large number of patient visits (70,000/year), we discourage calling for test results.
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What if I need to cancel an appointment?
We require 24 hours notice for the cancellation of an appointment. You may be billed for improperly cancelled or missed appointments.
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Where can I get care after hours?
Telephone Health Advisory Service (THAS)
For patients seeking medical advice when the office is closed.
Monday to Friday: 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 24 hours
1-866-553-7205In an emergency, you should call 911 or go to your local hospital emergency department
After Hours Prenatal Care
If you are more than five months pregnant and are experiencing an emergency, or if you are in labour, please call 416-323-6400 ext. 4141 and ask to speak to the doctor on call for family practice obstetrics.There is a weekly Saturday clinic with appointments available from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. for registered Family Practice patients. Please call between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on the same day to book an appointment. Walk-in appointments are accepted based on availability, however, pre-booked Saturday appointments take precedence over walk-ins, unless there is a triaged medical urgency.
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Should I get a flu shot?
Flu shots are recommended for all Canadians 6 months and older. It is especially important if you are 6 months- 5 years old, over 65, pregnant or have a chronic health condition (such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc.).
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Who might be part of my health-care team?
- Team secretary: The secretaries schedule your appointments and are responsible for validating your health card at each visit. Please advise a team secretary of changes to your address, telephone number or health card.
- Nurse: The family practice nurses work with you and your doctor to help you stay well. Our nurses have the experience and skills to assist with health concerns and are usually involved in some aspect of your visit, such as health teaching and history taking.
- Doctor: The family practice doctor provides and coordinates your total health care. Your doctor may be a staff physician, fellow or resident doctor.
- Staff physicians: are experienced family physicians and are members of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
- Fellows: are qualified family doctors who are completing advanced training in family medicine. Resident doctors are licensed physicians, learning the specialty of family medicine.
- Residents: are supervised by staff physicians. Most residents are with us for two years; when they leave, their patients are typically reassigned to incoming residents with the same supervisor, on the same team.
- Nurse practitioner: The family practice nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in primary health care. The NP, who may be your primary care provider, can assess and treat minor illnesses and monitor stable chronic diseases. The NP works independently and in collaboration with a consulting physician.
- Dietitians: The family practice dietitians are available for individual counselling related to special dietary needs. Please discuss referrals with your nurse, family physician, or nurse practitioner.
- Social workers: The family practice social workers provide individual and couples’ counselling related to a variety of psychosocial issues. Please discuss referrals with your nurse, family physician or nurse practitioner.
- Occupational therapist: The family practice occupational therapist helps with specific issues around work related or repetitive injuries, and assesses and improves functioning in activities of daily living. Assessment of mobility issues and custom splinting is also offered.
- Pharmacist: The family practice pharmacist is available to help answer any questions you may have about your medications. The pharmacist also works together with you and your health care team to identify, prevent and solve any issues related to your medications. Please discuss referrals with your nurse, family physician, or nurse practitioner.
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How do I find out my test results?
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Patient Resources
There are many resources available for both patients and health care professionals. The following are websites that will provide the answers to many questions you may have about your health and primary care:
Childbirth Education Classes
Precious MomentsMyCancerIQ
Making a few changes to your lifestyle can go a long way towards reducing your risk of cancer. My CancerIQ is an online risk assessment tool that helps determine your cancer risk, relative to other Ontarians, and creates a personalized plan to take control.- Build your cancer risk profile. Answer key questions about lifestyle, family history and screening history.
- Determine your cancer risk. See which factors are affecting your risk.
- Learn how you can reduce your risk. Take control of your cancer risk with a Health Action Plan offering links to trusted Canadian health resources to help you.
Get your report at MyCancerIQ.ca
WCH Publications
Women's Health MattersFind a Doctor
You can also visit our Find a Doctor page for more information.
Best Start Feeding Your Baby – A Guide to Help you Introduce Solid Foods
This guide for parents provides information about feeding their baby from six months to one year. It has information and answers questions they may have about breastfeeding and starting solid foods.
MyHealthMatters.ca
Video: Choosing a method of birth control
Article: Blood Pressure Basics
Fitness: Being more active and getting fitter: starting from scratch
Recipe: Roasted vegetables pastaWant expert health information based on your health priorities and life stage? Visit myhealthmatters.ca for more health resources developed by our experts at Women's College Hospital.
Referrals & New Patients
The Family Practice Health Centre is not accepting new patients at this time.
We are always accepting new prenatal patients. Please see Family Way Obstetrics.
Find a Doctor
If you are looking for a family doctor, you can also register for the Healthcare Connects program by calling 1-800-445-1822 between Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m or visiting www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect. Alternatively, you may contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario for help in finding a physician who is taking new patients in your community. Phone: 416-967-2600. Press 5, then press 6.
