About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Marek Jozef Smieja offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions.
Dr. Smieja graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1987.0 (Canada) and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include diplomate status in internal medicine and geriatric medicine, reflecting his commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care.
He approaches his clinical practice with a professional and clinical philosophy, emphasizing evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care, and continuous learning. Dedicated to serving the Hamilton community, Dr. Smieja speaks English fluently and is committed to fostering trust and clarity in his doctor-patient relationships.
Dr. Smieja provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate 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.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Dr. Smieja 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.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Smieja. 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. Smieja'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. Smieja's practice is located in the Corktown neighborhood of Hamilton, within the MacKenzie Health Hospital. The location is conveniently situated near Lime Ridge Mall and the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area, providing easy access for patients. The practice is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), making travel straightforward for public transit users. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Smieja? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Smieja 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. Smieja. 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.
- Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?
- Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.
- 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, 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 Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders or Complex Infections Consultation), 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. Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Smieja 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.
MacKenzie Health Hospital
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Phone: (905) 521-6021 | Fax: (905) 521-6083
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Smieja 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/Smieja-Marek-Jozef/0046274-60252