Description
About Dr. Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar
Dr. Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with compassion and a deep commitment to community health. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and patient-centered care. Dr. Nanthakumar specializes in managing a wide spectrum of adult health issues, particularly focusing on the unique needs of older adults and seniors.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1995 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His certifications include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his specialized expertise and ongoing commitment to professional development. Dr. Nanthakumar continuously updates his knowledge to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices into his patient care.
With a warm, community-focused approach, Dr. Nanthakumar is committed to building trusting relationships with his patients. He speaks English fluently and values clear communication, ensuring his patients and their families are well-informed about their health. His clinical philosophy centers on compassionate, individualized care that respects each patient’s dignity and preferences, fostering a supportive environment for health and wellness.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar
Dr. Nanthakumar provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- 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
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
Dr. Nanthakumar 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. Kumaraswamy Nanthakumar
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Nanthakumar. 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. Nanthakumar'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. Nanthakumar's practice is located in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, within Etobicoke General Hospital. The location is easily accessible via public transit, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The nearby area features landmarks such as Lee's Palace, making it convenient for patients coming from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those who prefer driving, providing added convenience for in-person visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Nanthakumar? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Nanthakumar 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. Nanthakumar. 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 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 (Urinary Incontinence Assessment, Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- Will Dr. Nanthakumar replace my family doctor?
- No, Dr. Nanthakumar 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. Nanthakumar will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.
- How does Dr. Nanthakumar communicate with my family doctor?
- Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Nanthakumar will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.
Contact & Licensing Information
Etobicoke General Hospital
150 Gerrard Street West, William Osler Health System
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Phone: (416) 340-4442 | Fax: (416) 340-4457
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Nanthakumar 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/Nanthakumar-Kumaraswamy/0057655-69243