Do I Need to See the Doctor

The rationale for this invaluable publication is simple: it is satisfying to assist families in making independent decisions when caring for themselves, elderly relatives or sick infants. No one wants the inconvenience or worry of waiting to see the doctor if they do not need to. Making decisions for oneself is a wonderful, empowering feeling, and this little book can safely guide at a time when parents are anxious about a new infant or are faced with a sick child or elderly relative. Parents can, and should, trust their instincts about their own children and will find here the support they need. There is practical advice for the new mother struggling with her body's adjustments to childbirth, and for both parents, worried and exhausted, pacing with a crying baby in the wee hours of the morning, there is the answer to the common question, Is it safe to wait?

Do I Need to See the Doctor? is an excellent addition to the self-care library. Ever since John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, wrote his book, Primitive Remedies, in 1747, there have been scores of books published with the same intent. The uniqueness of this particular addition lies in its simplicity. Today, the ease of access to information on the Internet has given rise to a need for the simplification of information in one place. Not all home remedies are worthwhile, and people need to be able to trust what they are reading. The format of carefully researched flowcharts and authoritative and experienced advice ensures that trust. By necessity, this is not a comprehensive encyclopedia, but it is an important resource for the most common health problems for which patients seek guidance.

For the past several years, I have been privileged to be part of the discussions swirling around the need to deliver primary care to Canadians in a more effective yet comprehensive manner. It is evident that family physicians are not just a resource to their patients, but to the larger community as well. Encouraging parental and patient confidence, Drs. Murat, Stewart and Rea have contributed to the healthcare system well beyond their office walls. Resources like this, when used effectively, can improve access to care for all, since only those who really need medical attention seek it out. With healthcare resources stretched to the limit, any safe and effective way to reduce and streamline demands—such as this book—will be welcomed by healthcare providers and taxpayers alike. In fact, I think it would be a good idea for physicians to keep copies of Do I Need to See the Doctor? in their examination rooms, the better able to demonstrate to patients how to use this tool the next time similar symptoms develop.



About the authors:
Greg Stewart MD., CCFP., is a Family Physician who lives in Huntsville, Ontario with his wife Charlene and their two sons. He received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Allison University and went on to complete Medical School at Memorial University in Newfoundland. His postgraduate training took place at Dalhousie University. In Huntsville his duties include being a staff physician in the Emergency Department and the Co-ordinator of Continuing Medical Education. He also conducts an annual medical conference for Family Physicians to which physicians have come from around the province and across the country. He enjoys primary care medicine and the patient education opportunities that it provides. This book has offered him an opportunity to reach out beyond his own practice population to give many others the same basic medical advice he gives his own patients.

Brian Murat MD., FRCPC., is a specialist in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. He completed his Medical Degree at Queen’s University at Kingston in 1985. His postgraduate training included a general internship at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto followed by a residency in Internal Medicine in Toronto. He returned to Queen’s for his training in Gastroenterology. He now lives in Huntsville, Ontario with his wife, Ann and their three children. His practice includes both comprehensive Gastroenterology, as well as a variety of Emergency Internal Medicine experiences. His interest in public education stems from his personal experience in empowering patients with the knowledge of physiology and pathology resulting in much happier patients who learn to help manage their difficulties as part of a team. He believes that there is a large population of people who are thirsting for the tools to help themselves. This book is an attempt to supply those tools.

John Rea MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP. Dr. Rea completed his medical training in Ottawa, Ontario including his Family Medicine residency and Certificate of Special Competence in Emergency Medicine. He practised Emergency Medicine in Ottawa for two years before heading to Hunstville, Ontario to pursue his desire to practise comprehensive family medicine including Obstetrics and Emergency Medicine. He was Emergency Director for ten years. He has an interest in Medical Education and as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Ottawa he introduced the Family Medicine residency program to Huntsville. He continues teaching students as Associate Professor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. As an Executive Board Member for the Family Physicians Airway Group of Canada he has given lectures and workshops across Canada. He is the medical liaison for the Huntsville Respiratory Clinic. Interest in research has led to participation as an Investigator in several Primary Care studies and contribution to several Clinical Practise Guidelines and Family Medicine texts. He served two terms as the Georgian representative on the Board of the Ontario College of Family Physicians and enjoys consultant work for the Canadian Medical Protective Association. He enjoys the outdoors lifestyle in Muskoka with his wife and their four active children.



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