Sports Medicine Centre of Excellence is an integrated team of specialized health care professionals who will optimize your return to sport or an active lifestyle through accurate diagnosis by a Sports Medicine Physician and a well-executed individualized treatment plan. We have experience with a wide variety of injuries for people of all ages and fitness levels.
About Us
Our Vision
We are committed to providing the highest quality sports medicine to the athletes and active people of Newmarket, Aurora and East Gwillimbury via a timely, accurate diagnosis and a well-executed collaborative, individualized treatment plan.
Dr. Chris Fortier
Sports and Exercise Medicine Physician
Dr. Fortier obtained his medical degree at Queen’s University followed by his residency training at McMaster University in Family and Emergency Medicine. Continuing his education, he received his Sports Medicine Diploma from Canadian Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine (CASEM).
He has supported athletes in roles as the Lead Physician for the Pan Am Track & Field Championships, the Brampton Beasts, OHL, Varsity and highschool athletes. In addition to supporting the high level athlete, he also works with the weekend warriors and people who want to be active for health or recreational reasons.
Beyond assisting with accurate diagnosis, Dr. Fortier performs ultrasound guided injections of hyaluronic acid, plasma rich platelets (PRP), autologous protein solution (n-STRIDE), and cortisone injections as needed.
Oliver McKay B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. (PT)
Registered Physiotherapist
Oliver graduated from McMaster University at the top of the class in the Master of Science in Physiotherapy program in 2013, and graduated with distinction from the University of Guelph in 2010 with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Bio-Medical Science. Upon graduation from McMaster University, Oliver received the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Convocation Award and the Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Programs Outstanding Achievement Award.
Oliver is dedicated to life-long learning and has taken post-graduate courses in both acupuncture and advanced hands-on manual therapy. He takes an individualized approach with each and every patient, using treatment techniques based upon the best available evidence.
From a sport injury perspective, Oliver has provided physiotherapy coverage for international competitions, including the Pam Am Games (Track & Field) and the Autumn Classic International (Figure Skating). He has also provided injury screening for all Georgian College Varsity Athletes.
He has been involved in primary research on the debate between modern running shoes and the barefoot running style. He can provide expert advice for runners on footwear, proper training, and injury prevention.
Oliver is certified as a Level 1 CrossFit Trainer, a Sport First Responder, and has a strong background in Olympic weightlifting, trail running, volleyball, squash, and soccer. His training and experience make him ideally suited to understand and treat sport or exercise related concerns of any kind.
Lauren McLean
Registered Physiotherapist
Lauren completed her Bachelor of Arts Honors Specialization in Kinesiology from Western University in 2012. During her time at Western, she was a member of the Women’s Varsity Volleyball team and was active in the Sport Medicine Department as the lead student therapist for the Women’s Varsity Soccer team.
Lauren recently completed her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy program at Leeds Beckett University in England. She was among the top of her class and earned the “Outstanding Clinical Profile” award in recognition of her academic achievements during clinical placements. During her studies, Lauren had the opportunity to practice in a variety of settings including orthopaedics, stroke rehab, pediatric neurodevelopment, and acute care. Lauren highly values the role of continued education and plans to pursue additional certifications in manual therapy, acupuncture, and exercise-based therapy.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle with weight training, volleyball, yoga, hiking and running. Through these activities, her education, and previous experience in dance, gymnastics, and team sports, Lauren has identified the importance of proper movement patterns and mobility in injury prevention and performance. Lauren’s treatment philosophy is to use manual therapy, specific exercise prescription, and education to address the underlying issues that contributed to the injury and to prevent reoccurrences.
Joshua Carty
Registered Physiotherapist
Josh is a registered physiotherapist who has worked in Newmarket, Aurora and Barrie for the past 5 years. Josh is a certified sports first responder and is currently working towards his designation as a sports physiotherapist.
In 2015, he graduated from Leeds Beckett University in England where he earned his Masters of Science in Physiotherapy. In Leeds, Josh was able to work in the NHS and experience a wide variety of physiotherapist roles including; sports injuries, acute and chronic pain, orthopaedics, stroke, cardiac disease and elderly populations.
In 2011, Josh earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree at Western University. At Western, Josh took a special focus in athletic injuries and earned the position of trainer and rehab specialist for the men’s varsity soccer team. He also gained experience working with sports medicine physicians and physiotherapists at the renowned Fowler Kennedy clinic in London, Ontario.
At Sports Medicine Centre for Excellence, Josh will assess and design an individualized treatment plan to get you back to your sport and lifestyle. He will use manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, stretching and modalities as part of your rehabilitation.
Laura Ash
Office Manager
Laura has worked in the medical field for the past 35 years. She takes pride in her role at SMCOE where she feels lucky to experience countless wonderful interactions with our patients throughout the day. When Laura is not at the clinic she is either golfing or traveling to a warm destination with her family and friends. She enjoys keeping life simple by always staying positive, which if you’re a current patient, you will know by the smile on her face any time you see her!
Kim Haines
Administration
Kim has worked in the medical field for the past 30 years in a variety of settings. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and staying active on hikes with her dogs.
We will carefully explain to you your treatment options so you have a plan that is best for you. Our goal is to return you safely to your sport or activity as soon as possible. We use evidence based treatment plans and cutting edge techniques that are adapted to meet your needs.
Areas of Expertise
- Returning athletes back to sport after injury
- Recent injuries (muscle strains, ligament sprains, bone injury)
- Sports concussion evaluation and management
- Chronic tendon issues
- Treatment of osteoarthritis