Description
About Dr. James Merrell Kitchens
Dr. James Merrell Kitchens, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. He provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, prioritizing the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Kitchens is committed to fostering a trusting relationship with his patients and their families, emphasizing compassionate care that respects individual values and cultural backgrounds.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of North Carolina in 1980 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine and additional specialization in Geriatric Medicine, ensuring he stays current with the latest clinical practices and guidelines.
Dr. Kitchens's clinical philosophy is centered on providing holistic, patient-centered care within the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He is dedicated to serving adults, including older adults and seniors, with a focus on enhancing quality of life, managing complex health conditions, and supporting independence. Fluent in English, he values clear communication and active listening to understand his patients' concerns fully.
Conditions Managed by Dr. James Merrell Kitchens
Dr. Kitchens provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
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.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Dr. Kitchens 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. James Merrell Kitchens
- 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.
- 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.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Kitchens. 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. Kitchens'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Kitchens's practice is located in the vibrant Garden District, within the Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. His clinic is situated inside Stamford Medical Centre, conveniently close to cultural landmarks such as the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and the Bata Shoe Museum. Patients can easily access the clinic via TTC services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Kitchens? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Kitchens 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. Kitchens. 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 should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
- The referral letter if you have it.
- A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
- A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
- A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Kitchens.
- What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?
- An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities, Perioperative Medical Optimization), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation or Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
Contact & Licensing Information
Stamford Medical Centre
Suite 306, 30 Bond Street
Toronto, ON M5B 1W8
Phone: (416) 864-5743
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Kitchens 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/Kitchens-Jr-James-Merrell/0046475-60453