About
Dr. Megan Elizabeth Himmel 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, she serves the surrounding communities. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to ensure safe, ethical, and patient-centered care. Dr. Himmel’s role involves addressing a wide spectrum of medical issues in adult patients, particularly older adults and seniors, with an emphasis on holistic and compassionate treatment approaches.
Dr. Himmel graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2016, having completed extensive post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her certifications include successful completion of residency programs and board examinations relevant to her specialties, which enable her to provide expert diagnostics, management, and preventive care tailored to her patients’ needs.
With a warm and community-focused approach, Dr. Himmel is committed to serving Toronto’s diverse population. She speaks English fluently and values building trusting relationships with her patients and their families. Her clinical philosophy emphasizes personalized care, respect for patient autonomy, and a collaborative approach to health management, ensuring her patients remain as healthy, independent, and engaged as possible.
Dr. Himmel provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
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.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
Dr. Himmel 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.
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Himmel. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Himmel'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. Himmel’s practice is located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park in Toronto. The clinic is conveniently situated near Exhibition Place, making it accessible for patients from across the city. Patients can reach her practice easily via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), with access by subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Himmel? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Himmel 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. Himmel. 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.
- 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 Urinary Incontinence Assessment or Adrenal Gland Disorders), 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 (Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2)). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup or Chronic Liver Disease is crucial, Dr. Himmel also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Adrenal Gland Disorders), and participation in meaningful activities.
- 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 (Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Himmel, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
399 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8
Phone: (416) 603-6751 | Fax: (416) 603-4348
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Himmel 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/Himmel-Megan-Elizabeth/0310682-109438