Dr. Elaine McWhirter – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Elaine McWhirter offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring patients receive safe and effective medical services.

Dr. McWhirter graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1999, having completed extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She holds certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her advanced expertise in her specialty areas. Her training emphasizes evidence-based practices and patient-centered care, enabling her to address complex health concerns in adult and senior populations.

With a clear and educational approach, Dr. McWhirter is committed to the health and well-being of her patients. She speaks English fluently and values open communication to ensure her patients understand their diagnoses and treatment options. Her clinical philosophy centers on holistic, individualized care that respects each patient's unique needs and circumstances, aiming to optimize quality of life and functional independence for older adults.

Dr. McWhirter 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.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Dr. McWhirter 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.

• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. McWhirter. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. McWhirter'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. McWhirter's practice is located in the Hamilton Mountain Central area, serving the Inch Park and Eastmount neighbourhoods of Hamilton. The location is conveniently accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). It is situated near popular landmarks such as Downtown Dundas and Dundas Valley Conservation Area, making it easy for patients from surrounding areas to visit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

What are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. McWhirter's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

Will Dr. Elaine McWhirter replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. McWhirter acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. McWhirter will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

How long should I expect my appointment to last?

Initial consultations with Dr. McWhirter are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. McWhirter, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

699 Concession Street
Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2

Phone: (905) 387-9495 | Fax: (905) 575-6326

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. McWhirter 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/McWhirter-Elaine/0158402-73937