Dr. Monika Spurek – Internist / Geriatrician | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Monika Spurek is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in St. Catharines, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring accessible and patient-centered care. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining high professional standards in her practice.

Dr. Spurek graduated with her Medical Degree from the Academy of Medicine in Wroclaw, Poland, in 1998. She has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency and specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her education and training have equipped her with a solid foundation in evidence-based medicine and clinical excellence.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, prioritizing patient education and shared decision-making. She is committed to serving the diverse needs of her patients in St. Catharines and speaks both English and Polish, facilitating effective communication and culturally sensitive care.

Dr. Spurek provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• 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.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

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

Dr. Spurek 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.

• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• 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.
• 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.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• 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. Spurek. 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. Spurek'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. Spurek's practice is situated near the central neighborhoods of St. Catharines, conveniently accessible from local points of interest such as the St. Catharines General Hospital and the Brock University campus. The location is well-served by public transit routes, making it accessible for patients using buses and other transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for patients with mobility challenges. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient access for those arriving by car.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Spurek 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. Spurek. 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 a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

574 Carlton St
St Catharines, ON L2M 4X9

Phone: (905) 685-0707

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Spurek 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/Spurek-Monika/0213875-80573