Dr. Paul Martin-Smith – Internist / Geriatrician | Orangeville, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Paul Martin-Smith serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Orangeville, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on adult patients including seniors. His practice is committed to adhering to the highest standards of medical practice established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based care.

Dr. Martin-Smith graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in 1975. He has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, along with relevant certifications in geriatrics and internal medicine subspecialties. His ongoing professional development ensures he remains current with advances in medical science and best practices for older adult care.

He maintains a professional and clinical approach to patient care, emphasizing thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate communication. Committed to serving the Orangeville community, Dr. Martin-Smith communicates fluently in English and is dedicated to providing accessible, patient-centered healthcare to adults of all ages, with a particular focus on older adults and seniors.

Dr. Martin-Smith 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.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• 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.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.

Dr. Martin-Smith 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Martin-Smith. 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. Martin-Smith'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. Martin-Smith's practice is conveniently situated near the central Orangeville neighborhood of Orangeville, ON. The clinic is located within easy reach of local points of interest and is accessible via public transit, making it convenient for patients from surrounding communities. The facility is situated within Michael Garron Hospital, ensuring integrated healthcare services. The hospital affiliation allows for seamless coordination in cases requiring hospitalization or specialist consultation. The practice is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for all patients.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Martin-Smith 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. Martin-Smith. 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.

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.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Martin-Smith will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss his findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Is Dr. Martin-Smith affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Martin-Smith may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Orangeville specific local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Martin-Smith as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

What are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Martin-Smith's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

Michael Garron Hospital
H5, 2 Zina Street
Orangeville, ON L9W 1E1

Phone: (519) 941-6659 | Fax: (519) 941-2503

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Martin-Smith 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/MartinSmith-Paul/0026030-30853