Dr. Edwin Choi – Infectious Disease Specialist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Edwin Choi is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Scarborough, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice is situated within a modern facility that offers comprehensive infectious disease services, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines. The clinic provides a professional and discreet environment for patients seeking specialized infectious disease consultation and management, conveniently accessible from surrounding medical facilities and laboratories. Located in the Scarborough neighborhood, the clinic is easily reachable via local public transit routes, with accessible parking spots typically available nearby, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). Following medical school, he completed residency training—most often in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics—and subsequently pursued a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Additionally, he holds qualifications in Medical Microbiology, enabling a comprehensive approach to infectious disease diagnosis and management. With over 25 years of specialized experience since 1999, Dr. Choi is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification underpin his expert clinical practice in infectious diseases and microbiology.

Dr. Choi's professional philosophy is rooted in a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases through evidence-based medicine. He emphasizes educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance. His focus extends to vulnerable populations and complex infection management, ensuring tailored care for each patient. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists, he aims to optimize both individual patient outcomes and community health. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence in Scarborough.

Dr. Edwin Choi provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Choi manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.

• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.
• Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Symptoms often include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
• Malaria: Treatment with appropriate antimalarial drugs based on species and resistance patterns; chemoprophylaxis for travelers.

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

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

• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Close collaboration with oncologists.
• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Risk assessment, screening, and management of infections in patients treated with immunosuppressive biologic agents for autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, IBD).
• Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Includes prophylactic strategies and treatment of viral (CMV, EBV), fungal, and bacterial infections.

Common Bacterial Infections

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

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): May require oral or intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage for abscesses.
• Pneumonia (Bacterial): An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections in any part of the urinary system, often causing painful urination, frequency, and urgency.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Edwin Choi is necessary.

• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Guidance on appropriate antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic testing.
• Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Support for public health and institutional outbreak investigations using microbiological data.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Often involves complex decisions regarding device removal and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.

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

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) 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. Choi's infectious disease practice is based within Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the Scarborough neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic offers comprehensive infectious disease consultations in a modern, accessible environment. It is conveniently located near major medical facilities and laboratories, facilitating prompt and integrated patient care. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking options available nearby, including accessible spots. Patients can expect a professional setting designed to ensure privacy and comfort during their visits. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations, follow-up care, and diagnostic assessments, providing a seamless experience for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management.

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

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Choi 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. Choi may be dually certified in both ID and Medical 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 does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Choi specialize in?

Dr. Choi is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. He provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Choi?

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. Choi for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)). This ensures that Dr. Choi receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (416) 492-4464.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Choi, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Choi, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Choi's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
112-325 Bamburgh Cir
Scarborough, ON M1W 3Y1

Office Phone: (416) 490-9348 | Office Fax: (416) 492-4464

Dr. Choi is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in Ontario. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Choi, particularly for services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Choi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Choi-Edwin/0052973-66937