Dr. Mirza Jacqueline Alcalde Castro – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Mirza Jacqueline Alcalde Castro, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality medical services for her patients.

She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adult and senior patients. Dr. Castro's medical education includes graduating with a Medical Degree from the University of Sonora in 2011, Mexico. She has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized certification in Geriatrics.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes professionalism, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. Dr. Castro is dedicated to serving the Toronto community, speaking both English and Spanish, and maintaining a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to improve her patients' health outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Castro 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.

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.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

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. Castro 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.

• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Castro. 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. Castro'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. Castro's practice is located in the vibrant Church and Wellesley neighborhood of Toronto, near the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. The practice is easily accessible via TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Can Dr. Mirza Jacqueline Alcalde Castro provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Castro can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

Does Dr. Mirza Jacqueline Alcalde Castro discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Castro encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

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

40 Homewood Avenue
Toronto, ON M4Y 2K2

Phone: (647) 860-6146

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Castro 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/Alcalde-Castro-Mirza-Jacqueline/0327182-119260