The Medicart Vein Clinic team is the most experienced in the Ottawa Valley, in both Gatineau and Ottawa. Our clinic has 9 physicians, 10 nurses trained in phlebology and sclerotherapy, a nurse practitioner, and attentive administrative staff who will meet your needs. Dr. Jason Leclair is the Medical Director of the clinic and we met with him to learn more about his work and what inspires him.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DOCTOR?
Medicine was always something that interested me. I love the fact that I can combine my interests in science, evidence, and research and apply them to everyday clinical encounters where I can make a difference in patient’s lives. Being able to perform procedures was something I grew to love during training, which is why I have made phlebology a large part of my practice.
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR PHLEBOLOGY COME FROM?
Phlebology is the perfect combination of procedural and technical skills and clinical medicine. Not only that, but there are many different ways to treat the same vein, leaving a lot of room for the nuances of the “art of medicine.”
CAN YOU BRIEFLY EXPLAIN HOW VARICOSE VEINS ARE TREATED AT MEDICART?
The patient is assessed by our phlebology doctors and nurses, and a treatment plan is suggested. Some patients require only minor superficial vein treatments, while others need to start with ultrasound-guided injections of their deeper, more medically-significant varicose veins. Follow-up is extremely important as patients at risk of varicose veins will often produce new or recurrent veins requiring treatment.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
While I love the procedures and the technical aspects of my job, it is the interactions with patients and the team that I enjoy the most. I love getting to know a bit about my patients, where they come from, and how our treatments can make an impact on their lives. We have a great group of doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Medicart Vein Clinic, and I get a lot of enjoyment from working with my team to serve our clients in any way we can.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER AND WHY?
Several years ago, I became very close with an elderly patient in my practice and helped him through some difficult times in his health and in his life. Before he died, he made a large donation to the Ottawa Hospital in my honour, and I can’t think of a better way for him to thank me for the care he received. An unnecessary gesture, but it is something that reminds me every day how much of an impact we can make on our patients’ lives.