About
Dr. Philippe Caron, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With practice at CSSS de Chicoutimi in Chicoutimi, QC, he is a vital part of the local healthcare community. His practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, aiming to optimize hormonal and metabolic health through advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. Dr. Caron adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care.
He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 11 years of experience practicing as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) since 2013. His extensive postgraduate training, combined with key certifications, affirms his capacity to deliver specialized hormone and metabolism care in accordance with provincial and national guidelines.
Guided by a commitment to evidence-based practice, Dr. Caron emphasizes patient education on managing chronic conditions, ensuring early and accurate diagnoses, and providing individualized treatment strategies that promote long-term well-being. He is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of his patients in Chicoutimi, speaking both French and English to facilitate clear communication and compassionate care.
Dr. Philippe Caron diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.
- Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X, Insulin Resistance Syndrome): A cluster of conditions (central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol/triglyceride levels) occurring together, elevating the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A disorder where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and potential bone and kidney problems.
- Hypoparathyroidism: A rare condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and high phosphorus levels.
- Thyroiditis (e.g., Subacute/De Quervain's, Postpartum, Silent/Painless): Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism, or persistent thyroid dysfunction, depending on the type.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- Male Hypogonadism (Primary & Secondary Testosterone Deficiency): Condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone, leading to symptoms like low libido, fatigue, muscle loss, and infertility. Can be due to testicular failure or pituitary/hypothalamic issues.
- Diabetes Insipidus (Central or Nephrogenic): A rare disorder characterized by intense thirst and the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, caused by problems with the hormone vasopressin (ADH) or the kidneys' response to it.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Philippe Caron.
- Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
- Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
- Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
- Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
- Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Caron for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
CSSS de Chicoutimi is situated in the heart of Chicoutimi, in areas near central Chicoutimi. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for patients coming from various parts of the city and surrounding regions. The practice is located close to local points of interest, including shopping centers and community services, facilitating a comfortable visit. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexible options for visitors.
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Caron, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Caron, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Caron's office, the hospital/clinic, or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Caron, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?
- Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Caron. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.
- Dr. Caron mentioned 'dynamic endocrine testing'. What does that mean?
- Dynamic endocrine testing involves tests that assess how your endocrine glands respond when stimulated or suppressed by specific substances. Unlike simple blood tests that measure baseline hormone levels, these tests evaluate the gland's functional reserve or its responsiveness to normal control mechanisms. For example, an ACTH stimulation test checks how well your adrenal glands produce cortisol when stimulated. A dexamethasone suppression test helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome by seeing if cortisol production can be suppressed. An oral glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose diabetes or acromegaly. These tests usually involve taking a baseline blood sample, then administering a medication or substance, followed by one or more timed blood samples to measure hormone changes. Dr. Caron uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.
- Does Dr. Caron deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?
- [If the provider is not a Reproductive Endocrinologist:] Yes, as a general Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), Dr. Caron manages common hormonal conditions impacting reproductive health, such as thyroid disorders or prolactin imbalances, and provides initial evaluations for conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). For complex infertility treatments involving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF, he collaborates with or refers patients to specialized reproductive endocrinologists. [If the provider is a REI:] Yes, Dr. Caron, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist, has advanced training in diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders affecting fertility, including PCOS, ovulatory dysfunction, and related reproductive issues, and can manage ovulation induction and hormonal support for ART procedures.
- How does Dr. Caron typically approach managing diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)?
- Dr. Caron's approach to diabetes management is comprehensive and individualized. For Type 1 diabetes, he emphasizes intensive insulin therapy, which may include multiple daily injections or insulin pump therapy, alongside continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and patient education to optimize blood sugar control and prevent hypoglycemia. For Type 2 diabetes, he advocates lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and weight management as initial steps, followed by pharmacotherapy including oral agents or injectable medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors as needed. His goal is to achieve optimal glycemic targets, reduce complication risks, and tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs, often working within multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care.
CSSS de Chicoutimi
305 rue Saint-Vallier, CP 5006
Chicoutimi, QC G7H 5H6
Phone: (418) 541-1000 | Fax: (418) 541-1163
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Caron is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Caron for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=13141