About
Dr. Bruno John Salena is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to specialized internal medicine and geriatric services. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), emphasizing patient safety, evidence-based medicine, and personalized care. Dr. Salena’s role involves diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of adult health issues, with particular expertise in the nuanced needs of older adults.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1981, obtaining extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Dr. Salena has completed rigorous certification processes, including board certification in internal medicine and additional specialization in geriatrics, ensuring his proficiency in managing complex health conditions in adult and senior populations. His ongoing professional development reflects a commitment to staying current with the latest evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines.
Driven by an evidence-based and informative approach, Dr. Salena is dedicated to delivering high-quality care tailored to each patient's unique health profile. He speaks English fluently and strives to foster clear communication and trust with his patients and their families. His clinical philosophy centers on comprehensive assessment, prevention, and management strategies that optimize health outcomes and quality of life for his patients.
Dr. Salena provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
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.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Dr. Salena 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.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Salena. 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. Salena'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. Salena's practice is located in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, ON, within the Ainslie Wood area near McMaster University. The facility is situated close to the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area and Lime Ridge Mall, providing convenient access for patients. It is located within the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, offering a multidisciplinary environment focused on cardiovascular and general internal medicine. Patients can reach the clinic easily via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), ensuring good public transit access. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Salena? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Salena 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. Salena. 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.
- How does Dr. Bruno John Salena communicate with my family doctor?
- Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Salena will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.
- 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.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Room H-S407, 1200 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1
Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 523-6048
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Salena 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/Salena-Bruno-John/0037581-51557