Dr. Benjamin Hoi-Lai Tam – Internist / Geriatrician | St Catharines, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Benjamin Hoi-Lai Tam offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in St. Catharines, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. Dr. Tam adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and comprehensive care.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2012 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His certifications include fellowships and memberships in recognized medical associations, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care.

Dr. Tam's clinical philosophy centers on building trusting relationships with his patients and their families. He believes in providing compassionate, personalized care that respects each individual's unique needs and circumstances. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to serving the diverse population of St. Catharines with warmth and integrity.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Dr. Tam 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.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Tam. 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. Tam'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. Tam’s practice is conveniently situated near the central neighborhood of St. Catharines, within proximity to local points of interest such as the St. Catharines General Hospital and the downtown core. The clinic is easily accessible via public transit, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Tam 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. Tam. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Tam 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 his findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Humber River Regional Hospital
1200 Fourth Avenue
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9

Phone: (905) 378-4647

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Tam 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/Tam-Benjamin-HoiLai/0280659-97626