At Newgate 180, we’ve always believed that the best recovery outcomes come from a combination of compassion, experience and clinical excellence. To further strengthen the care we provide, we are proud to have Dr. Gopalan serving as our Medical Director, bringing medical oversight, clinical expertise and a commitment to safe, evidence-based care for every client who comes through our doors.
About Dr. Gopalan
Dr. Gopalan brings over two decades of experience in family and emergency medicine, holding key leadership roles, such as Chief and Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Queensway Carleton Hospital and has dedicated much of his recent career to the specialized field of addiction medicine, with years of frontline experience as an Addictions Physician in Ottawa (Recovery Care – Bells Corners).
Dr. Gopalan holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Western Ontario. He also holds a Certification in Opioid and Substance Use Disorder from the Centre for Addictions and completed the Mental Health and Addiction Care and Treatment Online Course from the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Gopalan has successfully completed the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine Certification Exam and is one of the few Addiction Specialists in the area to hold this certification.
What Does a Medical Director Do?
As Medical Director, Dr. Gopalan plays a vital role in ensuring that every aspect of care at Newgate 180 meets the highest medical standards. His responsibilities include:
- Supporting our clinical team: He provides medical guidance and oversight to our rehabilitation staff, ensuring that all care is consistent, safe and aligned with best practices in addiction medicine.
- Client assessments and treatment planning: Dr. Gopalan conducts regular assessments of clients and oversees individualized care plans that address both addiction and mental health needs.
- Relapse prevention and education: As part of our ongoing treatment programs, he provides medical input into relapse prevention strategies and supports client education around health, wellness and long-term recovery.
- Continuity of care: After clients complete their program, Dr. Gopalan supports our continuing care program to help reduce the risk of relapse and promote sustained wellness.
Why Having a Doctor on Our Team Sets Us Apart
Many rehabilitation programs rely solely on counselling or peer-based support. While these components are essential, having a licensed physician with years of experience, directly involved in client care, sets Newgate 180 apart.
Our medical leadership means that clients benefit from:
- Medically sound treatment planning that considers co-occurring conditions, medication needs and safe withdrawal management.
- Stronger collaboration between medical professionals, counsellors and support staff, resulting in holistic, client-centered care.
Dr. Gopalan’s presence enhances every layer of our program, from intake to aftercare, ensuring that clients receive the safest and most effective support possible on their recovery journey.
Medically Supervised Withdrawal: A Safe Start to Recovery
For many individuals beginning treatment, the first step is detox, the process of clearing substances from the body. At Newgate 180, we are now offering the Medically Supervised Withdrawal Program, which provides a safe, supportive environment for this first stage of recovery.
Under the guidance of Dr. Gopalan and our experienced counselling team, clients receive:
- Medical assessment prior to admission: to help identify any physical or mental health challenges, to assist with long-term treatment and recovery.
- Careful monitoring of withdrawal symptoms
- Medical management to ease discomfort and reduce risks
- Emotional and psychological support during a challenging transition
This medical supervision not only protects client safety but also helps prepare them physically and mentally for the next phase of treatment, long-term rehabilitation and recovery.
A Commitment to Safe, Compassionate and Evidence-Based Care
Newgate 180 has been helping people overcome addiction for more than 50 years. The addition of medical leadership through Dr. Gopalan reaffirms our dedication to offering the highest level of care for each client who walks through our doors.