Dr. Michelle Ferrial Haniff – Internist / Geriatrician | Richmond Hill, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Michelle Ferrial Haniff offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Richmond Hill, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on evidence-based, comprehensive care. Dr. Haniff adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality clinical practice and patient safety. Her role involves providing specialized care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to promote optimal health outcomes for her patients.

Dr. Haniff graduated with a Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 2009, located in the Netherlands. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and certification in Internal Medicine, along with additional training in Geriatric Medicine. These qualifications enable her to address complex health issues in adult and senior populations effectively, utilizing current medical evidence and clinical best practices.

Her clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing individualized patient care. She is committed to serving the Richmond Hill community, speaking English fluently, and prioritizing thorough, patient-centered consultations. Dr. Haniff aims to foster a collaborative healthcare environment, ensuring her patients are well-informed and actively involved in their treatment plans.

Dr. Haniff 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.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Dr. Haniff 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.

• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Haniff. 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. Haniff'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. Haniff's practice is located in the central part of Richmond Hill, within the Mill Pond neighborhood. The clinic is situated conveniently near various plazas and is within the premises of St Thomas Elgin General Hospital. Accessibility is enhanced by proximity to public transit routes via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Haniff 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. Haniff. 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.

Will Dr. Michelle Ferrial Haniff replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. Haniff acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. Haniff will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

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 Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation or Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms), 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 (Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

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. Haniff, 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.

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. Haniff uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

St Thomas Elgin General Hospital
10 Trench St., Department of Anatomical Pathology
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3

Phone: (905) 883-1212

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Haniff 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/Haniff-Michelle-Ferrial/0282073-98637