Dr. Joseph Portnoy – Infectious Disease Specialist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Joseph Portnoy is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at Hôpital Général Juif - Sir M.B. Davis in Montréal, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care. His role encompasses both clinical management and advanced laboratory diagnostics, facilitating precise diagnosis and targeted treatment for a broad spectrum of infectious conditions. The clinic offers a professional and discreet environment for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, equipped with modern facilities and easy access for patients, including on-site or nearby public parking and accessibility via public transit.

Dr. Portnoy holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Infectious Diseases, including a fellowship in Medical Microbiology. With over 52 years of experience practicing as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) since 1972, he possesses a wealth of expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing infectious diseases. His certifications are in accordance with the requirements of the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), demonstrating his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in infectious disease medicine and microbiology.

His professional philosophy emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective, evidence-based treatment of infectious diseases. Dr. Portnoy is committed to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and focusing on vulnerable populations and complex infection management. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care. Fluent in French and English, Dr. Portnoy provides infectious disease consultations and treatments with a focus on patient health and safety in Montréal and the surrounding regions.

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

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Portnoy 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.
• COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Management of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in complex or high-risk cases.
• 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. Portnoy manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.

• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
• Toxoplasmosis: Management involves specific antiparasitic drugs.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Portnoy manages focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of infections.

• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Includes screening for latent TB and hepatitis B before starting therapy.
• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Prophylaxis and treatment of febrile neutropenia and specific infections common in cancer patients.
• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Management of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) related infections.

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

• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
• Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Support for public health and institutional outbreak investigations using microbiological data.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).

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

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) 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. Portnoy practices at the Hôpital Général Juif - Sir M.B. Davis, located in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Major North-South Arterial, easily accessible via public transit, including STM metro and bus services. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, facilitating easy access for all patients.

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

An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Portnoy, 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 specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

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

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Portnoy, 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. Portnoy, 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. Portnoy's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

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

A consultation with Dr. Portnoy 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 are some common conditions treated by Dr. Portnoy?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Portnoy manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Hôpital Général Juif - Sir M.B. Davis
3755 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Office Phone: (514) 342-3298 | Office Fax: (514) 340-8127

Dr. Portnoy 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. Portnoy, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Portnoy's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=67183