Dr. Abbas Muhammad Merali – Internist / Geriatrician | Waterloo, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Abbas Muhammad Merali offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Waterloo, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive and patient-centred care. Dr. Merali adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of his practice. His role encompasses both internal medicine and geriatric care, addressing the complex health needs of adult patients, including seniors and older adults.

Dr. Merali graduated with his Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 2008. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized training in Geriatric Medicine. His certifications and continuous professional development reflect his commitment to staying current with advances in his field, enabling him to deliver evidence-based, holistic care tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances.

With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Merali emphasizes open communication and patient education. He is committed to serving the Waterloo community, speaking English, Gujarati, and Kachchi to better connect with diverse patient populations. His clinical philosophy centers on compassion, thoroughness, and collaboration, striving to empower patients with knowledge about their health and treatment options.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

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. Merali 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.

• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Merali. 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. Merali'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. Merali's practice is located in the Waterloo West neighbourhood, within the Columbia Forest and Clair Hills areas of Waterloo. The clinic is situated within the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, providing convenient access for hospital-based consultations. The location is close to the University of Waterloo North Campus and the Tech Hub Area, making it accessible for patients in the region. Transportation options include Grand River Transit (GRT) buses and the ION Light Rail, facilitating easy travel to and from the clinic. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Merali 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. Merali. 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.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Merali will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Merali's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Collingwood General and Marine Hospital
435 The Boardwalk
Waterloo, ON N2T 0C2

Phone: (519) 744-1167 | Fax: (519) 744-1168

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Merali 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/Merali-Abbas-Muhammad/0250398-89037