Dr. Richard Ernest Gilbert – Endocrinologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Richard Ernest Gilbert, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With conditions related to Diabetes & Metabolism, he practices at Harvester Family Practice in Toronto, ON, and is a key member of the local medical community. His practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders. The practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for hormonal and metabolic health, utilizing advanced diagnostic approaches and individualized treatment strategies.

Dr. Gilbert graduated with a Medical Degree from The Flinders University of South Australia (Australia), and has been practicing as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) since 2024. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certification ensure adherence to the highest standards of medical practice in Ontario, with a focus on hormone and metabolism care.

Dr. Gilbert's clinical philosophy is grounded in a commitment to evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care. He emphasizes patient education on managing chronic conditions, ensuring early and accurate diagnosis, and providing personalized treatment plans that focus on long-term well-being. Dedicated to serving the Toronto community, he provides care in English, fostering clear communication and patient trust.

Dr. Richard Gilbert diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• 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.
• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy for survival and glucose management.
• 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.

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.
• Pituitary Adenomas & Tumors (e.g., Prolactinoma, Non-Functioning Adenoma, GH-secreting/Acromegaly, ACTH-secreting/Cushing's Disease): Mostly benign growths in the pituitary gland that can cause symptoms due to hormone overproduction (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH), hormone deficiency (hypopituitarism), or pressure effects on surrounding structures.
• Female Hypogonadism & Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Conditions involving low estrogen levels in women, leading to symptoms like amenorrhea, infertility, and menopausal symptoms, occurring before the typical age of menopause in POI.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass): A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal peak density but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It indicates an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.
• Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic skeletal disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process, resulting in bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and structurally unsound, leading to pain, deformities, and fractures.
• Disorders of Phosphate Homeostasis (Hypophosphatemia, Hyperphosphatemia): Imbalances in blood phosphate levels, which can be caused by various underlying conditions and affect bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Richard Gilbert.

• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Gilbert for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Harvester Family Practice is situated in Toronto's vibrant St. James Town neighborhood. The practice location is conveniently close to the Royal Alexandra Theatre, making it easily accessible for patients attending appointments. The facility is well-served by public transit options, including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), ensuring seamless travel for patients across the city. The practice is wheelchair accessible, providing barrier-free entry and facilities to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, offering convenient options for those arriving by car. The practice aims to deliver accessible, patient-centered endocrine and metabolic care within a welcoming environment.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Gilbert, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Gilbert, 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Gilbert's office, the hospital/clinic, or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Gilbert, 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. Gilbert. 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.

I have a thyroid nodule. What can I expect during an evaluation with an Endocrinologist like Dr. Gilbert?

When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Gilbert will conduct a thorough assessment. This typically involves reviewing your medical history (including any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or family history of thyroid disease), performing a physical examination of your neck and thyroid gland, and ordering blood tests to check your thyroid function (TSH, and possibly free T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is almost always performed to precisely characterize the nodule's size, number, and sonographic features (e.g., solid, cystic, calcifications, irregular margins). Based on these ultrasound characteristics and the nodule's size, Dr. Gilbert will determine if a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed to obtain cells for microscopic examination to rule out thyroid cancer. Most thyroid nodules are benign.

Does Dr. Gilbert deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?

[IF PROVIDER IS REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGIST (REI):] Yes, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist (REI), Dr. Gilbert has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex hormonal disorders that affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men. This includes conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis-related hormonal issues, premature ovarian insufficiency, male hypogonadism impacting fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. He can manage ovulation induction, provide hormonal support for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, and address other intricate reproductive endocrine problems. [ELSE:] A general Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Gilbert routinely manages common endocrine conditions that can impact reproductive health, such as thyroid disorders or prolactin imbalances, and can provide initial evaluation and management for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including its metabolic and hormonal aspects. For complex infertility requiring assisted reproductive technologies (like IVF) or highly specialized reproductive surgeries, He would typically collaborate with or refer patients to a subspecialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI).

What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Gilbert?

Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Gilbert if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and when might Dr. Gilbert recommend it?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) involves taking medication to replace hormones that the body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts. Dr. Gilbert might recommend HRT for various conditions. For example, thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine) is used for hypothyroidism. For women experiencing troublesome menopausal symptoms, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT, using estrogen with or without progestogen) can be considered. For men with confirmed hypogonadism (low testosterone) and symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy may be an option. HRT is also crucial for individuals with adrenal insufficiency (cortisol/aldosterone replacement) or hypopituitarism (replacing deficient pituitary hormones). The decision to use HRT is highly individualized, based on the specific condition, symptoms, benefits, and potential risks, which Dr. Gilbert will discuss thoroughly.

Harvester Family Practice
61 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON M5C 2T2

Phone: (416) 867-3747 | Fax: (416) 867-3696

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Gilbert is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Gilbert for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gilbert-Richard-Ernest/0227048-83971