Dr. Gilbert Pichette – Infectious Disease Specialist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Gilbert Pichette is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Microbiologie-infectiologie in Montréal, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in patient management. As an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), he combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. He also specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has completed extensive postgraduate training, including residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Additionally, he has qualifications in Medical Microbiology. With over 13 years of experience practicing as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) since 2011, he is well-equipped to manage complex infectious conditions. His certifications are in accordance with the requirements of the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring his practice remains current and compliant with provincial standards.

Dr. Pichette's professional philosophy centers on delivering accurate diagnoses and effective treatments using evidence-based medicine. He is committed to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and providing care tailored to vulnerable populations and complex infections. He emphasizes collaborative care with primary care physicians, public health entities, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and community health. Dedicated to patient health in Montréal, Dr. Pichette offers infectious disease consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and personalized care.

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

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Pichette manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.

• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Serious infections affecting bones (osteomyelitis) or joints (septic arthritis), often requiring long courses of antibiotics and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Prompt treatment is important to prevent spread.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Investigation for underlying causes may be needed.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Pichette manages infectious disease specialists manage complex or severe viral illnesses.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, monitoring for opportunistic infections, and addressing long-term health.
• Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Expertise in emerging respiratory virus threats.
• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Pichette manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.

• Malaria: Diagnosis requires blood smear examination or rapid diagnostic tests.
• Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.

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

• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Development and implementation of antimicrobial guidelines and protocols.

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

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant associations such as AMMI Canada and PHAC. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Gilbert Pichette practices primarily at Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Microbiologie-infectiologie, located in Montréal’s Cartierville North neighborhood. The practice is situated near the Olympic Park Area, easily accessible via Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro and Bus routes. The clinic is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management. Patients will find convenient parking options usually in proximity to the infectious disease service, ensuring ease of access for appointments.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Pichette, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Pichette, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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. Pichette's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

What is Dr. Pichette's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Pichette play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Pichette may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Pichette?

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. Pichette for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)). This ensures that Dr. Pichette receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (514) 338-3307.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Pichette?

A consultation with Dr. Pichette is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Pichette specialize in?

An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Pichette, is a medical doctor (MD) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illnesses caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They manage a wide range of complex infections, including those that are difficult to diagnose, are severe, or occur in patients with weakened immune systems. 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 specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Microbiologie-infectiologie
5400 boul Gouin O
Montréal, QC H4J 1C5

Office Phone: (514) 338-2050 | Office Fax: (514) 338-3307

Dr. Pichette is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in Quebec. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Pichette, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Pichette's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=85378