About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Merla Diane Lougheed serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Kingston, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to adult patients, including seniors. Her practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical care for her community.
Dr. Lougheed graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1986 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her background includes rigorous certification processes, enabling her to offer specialized care tailored to the complex needs of adult and older adult populations.
Her clinical philosophy is warm, compassionate, and community-focused. She is dedicated to building trusting relationships with her patients and their families, emphasizing personalized care and health education. Fluent in English, Dr. Lougheed is committed to serving the Kingston community with integrity and kindness.
Dr. Lougheed provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
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.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
Dr. Lougheed 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.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lougheed. 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. Lougheed'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. Lougheed's practice is located in the vibrant downtown Kingston area, within the Queen's University neighborhood of Sydenham Ward. Patients enjoy proximity to local landmarks such as Kingston Penitentiary Tours and Confederation Park. The clinic is accessible via Kingston Transit, making it convenient for patients from surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lougheed? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lougheed 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. Lougheed. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Lougheed will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Lougheed'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. Lougheed'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.
102 Stuart Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2V6
Phone: (613) 548-2348 | Fax: (613) 549-1459
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lougheed 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/Lougheed-Merla-Diane/0042969-56947