With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Mériem Belhocine serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Montréal, QC, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. She is dedicated to supporting adults, including seniors, in maintaining their health and quality of life. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and ethical medical care for all patients.
Dr. Belhocine graduated with a Medical Degree in 2015 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in her specialties. Her education and certifications reflect her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in patient care. She has developed a deep understanding of complex adult and geriatric health issues, enabling her to offer expert guidance and management tailored to each individual.
Her clinical philosophy is warm and community-focused, emphasizing personalized care and active listening. She is committed to serving the Montréal community with compassion and professionalism. Fluent in French, Dr. Belhocine strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel respected and understood, fostering trust and collaboration in their healthcare journey.
Dr. Belhocine provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- 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.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
Dr. Belhocine 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 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Belhocine. 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. Belhocine'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. Belhocine's practice is located in the vibrant Cartierville North neighborhood of Montréal, within the facilities of Hôpital Sacré-Coeur. The location offers easy access to the nearby Plateau Mont-Royal shopping and dining district, making it convenient for patients to visit. The practice is well-connected via Société de transport de Montréal (STM), with accessible options including metro and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Belhocine? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Belhocine 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. Belhocine. 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Belhocine's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.
- 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. Belhocine'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. Belhocine uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- 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 Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease or Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers), 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.
Hôpital Sacré-Coeur
5400 boul Gouin O
Montréal, QC H4J 1C5
Phone: (514) 338-2050 | Fax: (514) 338-2789
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Belhocine 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=15846