Dr. Brian James Ward – Infectious Disease Specialist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Brian James Ward is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at CUSM - Institut de recherche in Montréal, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality and ethical medical services. As an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), he combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. He also specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.

Dr. Ward holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has completed extensive postgraduate training, including residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. He may also hold qualifications in Medical Microbiology, enabling a comprehensive approach to infectious disease management. With over 32 years of experience since 1992, he has established himself as a trusted specialist in Montréal. His certifications include rigorous postgraduate qualifications in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, ensuring his practice meets the highest professional standards.

His professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. Dr. Ward is committed to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. He promotes antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance and provides care tailored to vulnerable populations and complex infections. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists, he strives to optimize patient and community health. Dr. Ward offers infectious disease consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and compassionate care for his patients.

Dr. Brian James Ward provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Ward manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.

• Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: Coordination with immunologists.
• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Prevention and treatment of bacterial, fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), and viral (e.g., CMV, adenovirus) infections.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Ward manages diagnosis can be challenging and often requires specialized laboratory tests.

• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Fungal infections caused by organisms found in specific geographic regions, which can cause lung infections or disseminate throughout the body.
• Malaria: A mosquito-borne parasitic disease prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Ward manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.

• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Managed in collaboration with orthopedic specialists.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Life-threatening conditions caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Brian James Ward is necessary.

• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Consultation on complex antimicrobial regimens and management of side effects.
• Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Includes skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial management of infections affecting bones and joints.
• Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Analysis of pathogen typing and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Pre-travel risk assessment, vaccinations, and advice on preventing travel-related infections.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Ward.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Ward practices at the CUSM - Institut de recherche located in Montréal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Saint Joseph's Oratory and is accessible via Société de transport de Montréal (STM) services, including Métro and Bus routes. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment dedicated to specialized infectious disease management. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring easy accessibility for those requiring expert infectious disease care in Montréal.

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Ward is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Ward may be dually certified in both ID and Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

What is Dr. Ward's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Ward play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Ward may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

Are services from Dr. Ward covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Ward under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ward?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Ward for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)). This ensures that Dr. Ward receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (514) 934-8224.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Ward?

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Ward if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Ward?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Ward manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

CUSM - Institut de recherche
EM3-3248-1001 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Office Phone: (514) 934-1934 | Office Fax: (514) 934-8224

Dr. Ward is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in Quebec. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Ward, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Ward's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=82001