Dr. Allan Donald Kitching – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Allan Donald Kitching serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he 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 focus is on delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care to adults, including older adults and seniors, to optimize health outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Kitching graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1988 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include specialization in both fields, ensuring a broad and deep expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric health conditions.

His clinical philosophy is centered on evidence-based and informative practices, emphasizing thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and shared decision-making. Dr. Kitching is committed to serving the Hamilton community and speaks English fluently, aiming to foster clear communication and trust with his patients.

Dr. Kitching 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.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.

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.

Dr. Kitching 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.

• 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.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Kitching. 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. Kitching'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. Kitching's practice is located in the Corktown/Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton, within the UHN Toronto Rehab - Cardiac Program. The location is conveniently accessible from McMaster University Medical Centre (West End) and is situated near the International Village BIA. Patients can reach the clinic via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Kitching 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. Kitching. 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 kind of tests might Dr. Allan Donald Kitching order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Kitching may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). He will explain why any tests are being recommended.

Does Dr. Allan Donald Kitching 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. Kitching 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, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Kitching, 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.

UHN Toronto Rehab - Cardiac Program
187 Hughson Street South
Hamilton, ON L8N 2B6

Phone: (905) 528-4111 | Fax: (905) 528-9181

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kitching 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/Kitching-Allan-Donald/0045377-59355