About
Dr. Dereck Leslie Hunt, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. His practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the unique health needs of adults, including seniors, within the framework of the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Hunt graduated with his Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1992 in Canada. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in internal medicine and additional specialization in geriatrics, ensuring a broad and in-depth expertise in managing complex adult health conditions.
His clinical philosophy centers on clear, educational communication and evidence-based practices. He is dedicated to serving the Hamilton community, speaking English fluently, and fostering a respectful, collaborative approach to healthcare that empowers his patients to make informed decisions about their health.
Dr. Hunt provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
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 Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
Dr. Hunt 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.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- 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.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Hunt. 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. Hunt'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. Hunt's practice is situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central area, specifically within the Inch Park and Eastmount neighborhoods of Hamilton. His office is located within Gerrard Wing, Room 3-522, providing convenient access for local residents. The practice is close to the Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site in Stoney Creek, making it a familiar landmark. Patients can reach the office via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) for public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Hunt? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Hunt 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. Hunt. 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.
- Is Dr. Hunt affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Hunt may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Hamilton hospitals or other local facilities. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Hunt as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.
- Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?
- As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.
Gerrard Wing, Rm 3-522
711 Concession St, Toronto General Hospital
Hamilton, ON L8V 1C3
Phone: (905) 318-9084 | Fax: (905) 575-7320
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Hunt 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/Hunt-Dereck-Leslie/0051143-65122