About
Dr. Martin Sanfacon is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Drummondville, QC, he serves the surrounding communities. He adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) to ensure high-quality patient care. Dr. Sanfacon offers specialized expertise in managing multifaceted health issues in adult patients, including older adults and seniors, emphasizing holistic and patient-centered approaches.
He graduated with a Medical Degree in 1993 and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His certifications include specialized residencies and fellowships that equip him with a broad skill set to address complex medical and geriatric syndromes. His ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that he remains current with evolving clinical practices and guidelines.
Driven by a professional and clinical philosophy, Dr. Sanfacon is committed to delivering evidence-based care tailored to each patient's unique needs. He speaks fluent French and is dedicated to serving the diverse linguistic and cultural community of Drummondville. His approach emphasizes respect, compassion, and collaborative decision-making to optimize health outcomes and quality of life for his patients.
Dr. Sanfacon provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
Dr. Sanfacon 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.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sanfacon. 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. Sanfacon'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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
Dr. Sanfacon's practice is situated in Drummondville West, within the Saint-Charles-de-Drummond neighborhood, in close proximity to Hôpital Sainte-Croix. The location is conveniently accessible from the Basilique St-Frédéric and downtown Drummondville. Patients can reach the clinic easily via the Société de transport de Drummondville (STD). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Sanfacon? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sanfacon are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)) 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) 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. Sanfacon. 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.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Sanfacon, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- What are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Sanfacon's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
- What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?
- A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Sanfacon uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- 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.
Hôpital Sainte-Croix
570 Rue Heriot
Drummondville, QC J2B 1C1
Phone: (819) 478-6464 | Fax: (819) 472-3105
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sanfacon is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=93265