Dr. Albert Jacob Kirshen – Internist / Geriatrician | Thornhill, ON

Dr. Albert Jacob Kirshen, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Thornhill, ON, he serves the surrounding communities. His approach emphasizes thorough assessment, individualized treatment strategies, and multidisciplinary coordination to optimize health outcomes for his patients. Dr. Kirshen provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His commitment is to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centered healthcare tailored to adult patients, including seniors.

Dr. Kirshen graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1978 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residencies and fellowships in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications reflect a dedication to ongoing medical education and adherence to provincial and national standards for specialist practice in Ontario.

His clinical philosophy is grounded in evidence-based and informative care, emphasizing the importance of up-to-date research, patient engagement, and shared decision-making. Dr. Kirshen is committed to serving the Thornhill community and speaks English, Hebrew, and Yiddish, ensuring clear communication with diverse patient populations.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

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.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Kirshen 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.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• 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.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Kirshen. 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. Kirshen'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. Kirshen's practice is conveniently located near the central Thornhill neighborhood of Thornhill, within the Primacy Medical Clinic. The clinic is easily accessible via public transit, with local bus routes servicing the area. The vicinity includes points of interest such as the Thornhill Community Centre and Promenade Mall. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

What are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Kirshen's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

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 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.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems, handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

Primacy Medical Clinic
149 York Hill Blvd
Thornhill, ON L4J 2P5

Phone: (647) 444-2851

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kirshen 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/Kirshen-Albert-Jacob/0026042-30865