GENERAL PRACTITIONER SERVICES

At Cornerstone, we believe in the importance of holistic healthcare, and our experienced general practitioner (GP) is dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalised care for individuals and families.

What is a General Practitioner?

A General Practitioner (GP) is a medical doctor who provides primary and continuing care to patients in the community. Unlike specialists who focus on specific areas of medicine, GPs offer comprehensive health care for individuals of all ages, genders, and parts of the body.

Here are some key aspects of a General Practitioner’s role:

First Point of Contact: GPs are often the first point of contact for someone seeking medical attention. They assess a patient’s health condition, considering their physical, emotional, and social aspects.
Diagnosis and Treatment: They are skilled in diagnosing a wide range of health issues and can initiate treatment for various illnesses, from colds, health checks, to much more. This includes prescribing medications, offering medical advice, and performing certain medical procedures.
Continuity of Care: GPs provide continuity of care, managing and monitoring chronic health conditions over time, such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
Preventive Care: They play a crucial role in preventive health care, including conducting regular check-ups, health screenings, immunisations, and counselling on lifestyle changes.
Referrals to Specialists: When necessary, GPs refer patients to specialist doctors for more detailed investigations or treatments. They coordinate the care provided by different specialists and integrate it into the patient’s overall health plan.
Health Education: Part of their role involves educating patients about health, wellness, and disease prevention. This may include discussions on nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and healthy living.
Mental Health: GPs are often involved in the initial assessment and treatment of mental health issues or referring patients to mental health specialists.
Community Health: They understand the health trends within their community and can identify public health risks, contributing to wider health policy and planning.
Administration and Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records of patients’ medical histories and treatments is an essential part of their job. They also deal with administrative tasks like updating patient records and coordinating with insurance companies.
Skills and Qualities: GPs require excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to make decisions, and a broad knowledge of medical conditions and treatments. Compassion, patience, and a commitment to lifelong learning are also crucial in this role.

In summary, General Practitioners are integral to the healthcare system, offering accessible, first-line medical care and playing a vital role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the community.

Our Services

Preventive Care

Routine Check-ups:

Regular health check-ups play a crucial role in preventive healthcare. During these visits, our General Practitioner conducts comprehensive evaluations, which include monitoring blood pressure, screening for cholesterol levels, and administering necessary vaccinations.

General health checks are important for maintaining good health and early detection of potential health issues. The recommended time frames for these checks can vary depending on age, gender, and individual risk factors. Below is a general guideline for the frequency of various health checks:

Blood Pressure Screening: Adults aged 18 and over: At least once every 2 years if normal, annually if previously high or at risk.
Cholesterol Check: Adults aged 20 and older: Every 4-6 years for normal-risk individuals; more frequently for those with elevated risk.
Diabetes Screening: Adults over age 45: Every 3 years, or more frequently depending on risk factors such as family history or obesity.
Cancer Screenings:
- Breast Cancer (Mammograms): Women aged 40-74 should have mammograms every 1-2 years.
- Cervical Cancer (Pap Smear): Women aged 21-65 should have a Pap smear every 3 years.
- Colorectal Cancer: Adults aged 50-75 should be screened for colorectal cancer; frequency depends on the type of test used (e.g., colonoscopy every 10 years).
- Prostate Cancer: Men over 50 should discuss with their doctor about the need and frequency of screening.

Bone Density Test: Women over age 65 and men over age 70: Every 2-5 years.
Vision and Hearing Tests: Every 1-2 years, especially for adults over age 60.
Skin Examination: Annually, for a professional skin exam, especially if at high risk for skin cancer.
Immunisations: As per schedule, including annual flu shots, tetanus boosters every 10 years, and other vaccines as recommended.
Physical Examination: Annually or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

These guidelines are subject to change based on individual health status and recommendations from healthcare providers. It’s important to have a regular healthcare provider who can provide personalised advice based on your health history and risk factors.

Health Screenings:

Individuals should consult with their healthcare provider at Cornerstone Clinic or any other medical facility to determine which screenings are appropriate for them based on their age, gender, medical history, and risk factors. Regular health screenings are a key component of preventive healthcare and can lead to early intervention and better management of health conditions.

Here are some typical checks performed at Cornerstone Clinic or our recommended screening centres.

Blood Pressure Screening: Regular blood pressure checks are recommended to identify hypertension (high blood pressure), a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol Checks: To assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Blood Glucose Tests: Screening for diabetes or pre-diabetes by measuring blood sugar levels.
Cancer Screenings: This may include mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, and skin checks for skin cancer.
Bone Density Screening: To detect osteoporosis, particularly important for post-menopausal women.
Body Mass Index (BMI) and Obesity Screening: Measuring body weight relative to height to identify obesity-related health risks.
Vision and Hearing Tests: Especially important for children and the elderly.
Immunisations: Keeping up with recommended vaccines for different age groups, including flu shots, HPV vaccines, and others.
Mental Health Screening: Assessing for signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
STD/STI Screenings: Testing for sexually transmitted diseases/infections.
Cardiovascular Screenings: Including EKGs or stress tests to assess heart health.
Prostate Cancer Screening: For men, which may include a PSA test.
Thyroid Function Tests: To check for thyroid gland issues.
Liver and Kidney Function Tests: To assess the health of these vital organs.

Acute and Chronic Illness Management

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Acute and Chronic Illness Management:

As a dedicated Family Doctor, Dr Negin Hakim, places a strong emphasis on the effective management of both acute and chronic illnesses, a cornerstone of comprehensive healthcare. When addressing acute illnesses, such as sudden infections or injuries, Dr Hakim’s approach is centred on prompt, appropriate treatment to avert complications. In the realm of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, she focuses on ongoing management and continual monitoring. Her methods encompass not just medical treatments but also lifestyle modifications and routine check-ups. Dr Hakim is committed to devising personalised treatment plans for her patients, ensuring that each individual receives care that is specifically tailored to their unique needs.

Schedule Your Appointment

To book a consultation or for more information, contact us at +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our GP, Dr Negin Hakim.

Dr Negin Hakim is an experienced Family Medicine Consultant with over 24 years of clinical practice. She has spent the past 14 years practising in Dubai, following an extensive medical career in England. She manages a wide range of acute medical conditions and provides comprehensive long-term care for chronic diseases. Dr Negin also has a special interest in women’s health, paediatrics and preventative medicine.

Book a consultation

What services do General Practitioners (GPs) at Cornerstone Clinic offer?

GPs at Cornerstone Clinic offer comprehensive care, including diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, preventive care, health education, and referrals to specialists, among other services. Check out Dr Negin Hakim to see the services provided.

Do I need an appointment to see a GP at Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai?

Yes, appointments are recommended for timely care at our Dubai clinic, though we try to accommodate urgent requests. We also offer telehealth services so our GP can offer online telephone conversations and send prescriptions online to your pharmacy.

Can GPs at Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai manage chronic diseases?

Yes, our Dubai GPs handle a variety of chronic diseases with ongoing care and coordination with specialists. Our GP, Dr Negin Hakim, looks after a variety of patients with diabetes, asthma, cholesterol and many more.

How can I access my medical records from Cornerstone Clinic in Dubai?

In Dubai, patients can request their medical records directly from Cornerstone Clinic, adhering to our privacy policies.

What should I bring to my first GP appointment at Cornerstone Clinic?

For your first visit, bring your identification, insurance information, any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and a summary of your medical history.