Dr. Michael Edward Farkouh – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Michael Edward Farkouh offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Dr. Farkouh adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring compassionate and comprehensive care for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1988, Canada, and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His certifications reflect a dedication to continuous learning and excellence in his specialty, enabling him to provide the latest evidence-based treatments to his patients.

Dr. Farkouh’s clinical philosophy centers on delivering warm, personalized, and community-oriented care. He is committed to enhancing the health and quality of life of his patients, especially older adults and seniors. Fluent in English, he values building trusting relationships and working collaboratively with his patients and their families to achieve optimal health outcomes.

Dr. Farkouh 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.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Farkouh 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Farkouh. 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. Farkouh'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. Farkouh practices within the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, situated conveniently within St. Joseph's Hospital. The location is close to the US Consulate and easily accessible via TTC services including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Farkouh? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Farkouh 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. Farkouh. 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 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 (Complex Infections Consultation, Perioperative Medical Optimization), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

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. Dr. Farkouh, 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.

Does Dr. Michael Edward Farkouh handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Farkouh will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

St Joseph's Hospital
190 Elizabeth Street, Department Of Anaesthesia
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Phone: (416) 340-3141 | Fax: (416) 340-3398

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Farkouh 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/Farkouh-Michael-Edward/0045437-59415