Dr. David Wei-De Hwang – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. David Wei-De Hwang offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he serves the surrounding communities. He adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. Dr. Hwang provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on the unique health needs of adult and senior patients.

Dr. Hwang graduated with a Medical Degree from Albany Medical College of Union University in 2009 in the United States. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, and has obtained key certifications in his area of specialty. His training emphasizes a thorough understanding of complex adult health conditions and geriatric syndromes, equipping him to manage multi-system illnesses with a multidisciplinary approach.

With a clear and educational clinical philosophy, Dr. Hwang is committed to providing thoughtful, patient-centered care that emphasizes education and shared decision-making. He speaks fluent English and values open communication with his patients and their families. Dr. Hwang’s approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine, and he strives to empower his patients through knowledge and collaborative care. He is dedicated to serving the Toronto community with compassion and professionalism.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

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

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.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• 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.

Dr. Hwang 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.

• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Hwang. 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. Hwang'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. Hwang's practice is located within the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario. The clinic is situated within Hamilton General Hospital, providing convenient access for patients from the Toronto area. The location is close to Trillium Park and Harbourfront Centre, offering scenic surroundings and easy access to recreational areas. The facility is accessible via TTC services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, making it convenient for patients to reach. The practice is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

Does Dr. David Wei-De Hwang 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. Hwang 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.

Can Dr. David Wei-De Hwang provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Hwang can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

How does Dr. David Wei-De Hwang communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Hwang 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.

Hamilton General Hospital
North Wing, 6th Floor, 610 University Avenue, General Surgery and Trauma
Toronto, ON M5G 2M9

Phone: (416) 946-4501

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hwang 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/Hwang-David-WeiDe/0304003-106151