Dr. Robert Allston Fowler – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Robert Allston Fowler serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His practice is committed to serving adults, including seniors, with a focus on holistic and patient-centered approaches. Dr. Fowler adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and ethical medical practice.

Dr. Fowler graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1995. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowships in Geriatric Medicine, which have equipped him with a broad skill set to manage complex adult health issues effectively.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes clear, educational communication and a comprehensive understanding of each patient's unique needs. Dr. Fowler is dedicated to lifelong learning and staying current with advancements in internal medicine and geriatric care. Fluent in English and French, he strives to provide accessible and compassionate care to the diverse Toronto community.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Dr. Fowler 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.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Fowler. 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. Fowler'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. Fowler's practice is located in the vibrant Lawrence Park neighbourhood of Toronto, ON. The office is conveniently situated near the World's Biggest Bookstore Site, making it easily accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Patients can reach the clinic via TTC services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, ensuring accessible transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Does Dr. Robert Allston Fowler discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Fowler encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. He can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

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 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. Fowler'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.

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup or Frailty Assessment & Management), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Room C3 - 121, 2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-6100

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Fowler 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/Fowler-Robert-Allston/0057456-69044