Dr. Philippe Deschênes – Infectious Disease Specialist | Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC

Dr. Philippe Deschênes is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at Centre hospitalier régional de Lanaudière, Secrétariat de microbiologie in Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered service. As a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), he combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The practice offers comprehensive consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment guidelines.

Dr. Deschênes holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has completed residency training in Internal Medicine. Following this, he pursued a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases and obtained qualifications in Medical Microbiology. With over 4 years of experience practicing as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) since 2020, he is well-equipped to handle complex infectious conditions. He has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds all necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (license number 20066). His expertise is further supported by ongoing engagement with the latest clinical guidelines and research developments.

Driven by a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, Dr. Deschênes emphasizes evidence-based medicine, patient education, and infection prevention strategies. He is dedicated to promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance and prioritizes the management of vulnerable populations and complex infections. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists, he ensures comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Deschênes provides infectious disease consultations and treatments in French, maintaining a professional and discreet environment for his patients in Saint-Charles-Borromée.

Dr. Philippe Deschênes provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Deschênes manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.

• Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Relevant in areas where these fungi are prevalent.

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Deschênes manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.

• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Risk assessment, screening, and management of infections in patients treated with immunosuppressive biologic agents for autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, IBD).
• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Care for complex infections during periods of profound neutropenia and immunosuppression following HSCT.
• Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: Coordination with immunologists.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Deschênes manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Investigation for underlying causes may be needed.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Life-threatening conditions caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Philippe Deschênes is necessary.

• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Pre-travel risk assessment, vaccinations, and advice on preventing travel-related infections.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Management of complex TB treatment regimens, including drug-resistant TB.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Deschênes.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Deschênes practices within the Centre hospitalier régional de Lanaudière, specifically at the Secrétariat de microbiologie in Saint-Charles-Borromée. The clinic offers comprehensive infectious disease services in a professional and discreet environment. It is conveniently situated near major medical facilities and laboratories, ensuring timely access to diagnostic testing and follow-up care. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, with on-site or nearby public parking generally available for patients. Patients can expect a welcoming environment designed to support complex infectious disease evaluations and ongoing management, with proximity to essential healthcare infrastructure for seamless integrated care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Deschênes?

For most consultations with Dr. Deschênes that are medically necessary and covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (450) 759-3075.

What is Dr. Deschênes's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Dr. Deschênes contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.

Are services from Dr. Deschênes covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Deschênes under Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Deschênes?

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Deschênes if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Deschênes?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Deschênes manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Deschênes is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Deschênes may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Centre hospitalier régional de Lanaudière, Secrétariat de microbiologie
1000 Boul Sainte-Anne
Saint-Charles-Borromée, QC J6E 6J2

Office Phone: (450) 759-8222 | Office Fax: (450) 759-3075

Dr. Deschênes is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in Quebec. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Deschênes, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Verify Dr. Deschênes's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20066