Dr. Nisha Maria Fernandes – Internist / Geriatrician | Markham, ON

Dr. Nisha Maria Fernandes, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Markham, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing holistic and individualized treatment approaches. Dr. Fernandes adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices for adult and senior health management.

Dr. Fernandes graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2011, a leading institution known for its strong emphasis on clinical excellence and research. She completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, with additional specialization and certifications in Geriatric Medicine. Her training equips her with the expertise to manage complex health issues prevalent among older adults and to coordinate multidisciplinary care when needed.

Her clinical philosophy centers on clear, educational communication and evidence-based decision-making. She is dedicated to serving the community of Markham, speaking English fluently, and fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all patients. Dr. Fernandes is committed to ongoing professional development and aims to improve health outcomes through compassionate, comprehensive care.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

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.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

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

Dr. Fernandes 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.

• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• 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.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Fernandes. 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. Fernandes'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. Fernandes's practice is located in the vibrant Markham Village, within the Old Markham Village neighborhood of Markham. The clinic is situated within St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, providing easy access for hospital-based consultations and collaborations. The practice is conveniently close to the Wismer Community Centre and the Markham District Veterans Association, making it accessible for seniors and community members. Patients can reach the clinic via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva transit systems. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

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 (Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms, Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
381 Church Street, Emergency Department
Markham, ON L3P 7P3

Phone: (905) 472-7000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Fernandes 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/Fernandes-Nisha-Maria/0273042-95059