Dr. Colin Nuttall Struthers – Internist / Geriatrician | Belleville, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Colin Nuttall Struthers serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Belleville, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered medical services. Dr. Struthers primarily serves adult patients, including older adults and seniors, focusing on complex medical conditions and holistic health management.

Dr. Struthers graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in 2008, completing extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His training included specialized residencies and certifications essential for managing complex multi-system diseases and geriatric syndromes, positioning him as a well-rounded specialist in his field.

He adopts a professional and clinical approach to patient care, emphasizing evidence-based practices and compassionate communication. Committed to serving the Belleville community, Dr. Struthers speaks English fluently and strives to provide accessible, respectful, and individualized healthcare tailored to each patient’s needs and preferences.

Dr. Struthers provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Dr. Struthers manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Struthers. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Struthers's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Struthers's practice is located in the West Hill area of Belleville, within the Loyalist neighborhood. The clinic is situated in proximity to The Hospital for Sick Children, serving as a referral and consultation site. The location is conveniently accessible via Belleville Transit, with nearby landmarks including Loyalist College on Wallbridge-Loyalist Rd and Quinte Mall on North Front St. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Struthers? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Struthers are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Struthers. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

Does Dr. Colin Nuttall Struthers discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Struthers encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. He can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Struthers, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

What is the appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.

The Hospital for Sick Children
10 South Front Street, Department of Ophthalmology
Belleville, ON K8N 2Y3

Phone: (613) 779-9699 | Fax: (613) 779-9689

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Struthers is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Struthers-Colin-Nuttall/0263705-92427