Dr. Robert Norbert Kridel – Oncologist / Hematologist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Robert Norbert Kridel is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, ON, he is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive hematologic care. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions. Dr. Kridel addresses a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions, with a focus on personalized patient care. His approach emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based medicine tailored to adult patients with suspected or diagnosed blood conditions, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options to optimize outcomes.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Catholic University of Louvain in 2004 in Belgium. With over 7 years of experience practicing as a Hematologist since 2017, he has developed extensive expertise in the field. Dr. Kridel is certified as a CPSO Recognized Specialist in Hematology (Blood Disorders), affirming his specialized training and commitment to excellence in blood disorder care.

Dedicated to delivering multidisciplinary, patient-centered care, Dr. Kridel combines the latest evidence-based treatments with compassionate support for his patients and their families. He is committed to advancing research in hematology and collaborates with a team of specialists to ensure comprehensive management. Fluent in English and French, he strives to provide accessible and empathetic communication to all patients in Toronto and the surrounding community, fostering trust and understanding throughout the care journey.

Dr. Robert Kridel has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells.
• Von Willebrand Disease & Other Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Genetic conditions that impair the blood's ability to clot effectively, causing prolonged or excessive bleeding.
• Hereditary Hemochromatosis & Other Iron Overload States: Genetic or acquired conditions leading to excessive iron accumulation in the body, requiring management to prevent organ damage.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Robert Kridel or your referring physician.

• Diagnosis & Management of Multiple Myeloma, Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia & Other Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: Specialized care for cancers arising from plasma cells, utilizing novel agents, chemotherapy, and supportive care, including stem cell transplant coordination.
• Blood Product Transfusion Support & Management of Transfusion Reactions: Overseeing transfusions of red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and managing any adverse reactions.
• Therapeutic Apheresis Consultation (e.g., for TTP, plasma exchange indications): Consultation and coordination for procedures that separate components of blood for therapeutic purposes.
• Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
• Comprehensive Oncologic & Hematologic Consultation: In-depth evaluation of medical history, review of diagnostic imaging and pathology, cancer staging (if applicable), and development of personalized treatment plans for various cancers and blood disorders.
• Neutropenia & Other White Blood Cell Disorders Evaluation: Investigating and managing low or abnormal white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Management of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Diagnosis and treatment of bone marrow failure disorders, including supportive care, growth factors, and disease-modifying therapies.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Kridel provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Kridel or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, situated in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, ON, serves as the primary facility for Dr. Kridel's practice. The centre is conveniently accessible via multiple public transit options, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Patients can easily reach the hospital from downtown Toronto and surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are available nearby, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The location is close to landmarks such as Toronto Police HQ and Little Italy, making it an easily identifiable and central spot for specialized blood disorder care.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Kridel, an Hematologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Hematologist such as Dr. Kridel are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), Dr. Kridel's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kridel, an Hematologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Hematologist like Dr. Kridel for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

Why might I need a bone marrow biopsy, and what does it involve if Dr. Kridel recommends it?

A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are procedures used to collect and examine bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. Dr. Kridel might recommend this test to diagnose or monitor various blood disorders, including leukemias, lymphomas, myeloma, anemias, or infections. The procedure is usually done on the back of the hip bone under local anesthesia. A needle is used to withdraw a small sample of liquid marrow (aspiration) and a small core of bone marrow tissue (biopsy). You may feel some pressure or brief pain.

Does Dr. Kridel participate in or offer access to clinical trials?

Many oncologists and hematologists are involved in clinical research to advance cancer treatment and care for blood disorders, as participation in clinical trials can offer access to new and investigational treatments. Dr. Kridel is actively involved in clinical trials and may discuss relevant trial options with you if you are eligible and it is appropriate for your condition. You can ask him about available trials at his institution or through research networks, and he can guide you on whether participation is suitable for your situation.

What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Kridel specialize in?

An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including systemic therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions. A Hematologist focuses on disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymphatic system, including benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, as well as malignant blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Kridel has expertise in hematology and cancer care, providing comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a broad spectrum of blood and blood-related cancers and disorders.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Kridel?

Cancer and complex hematology care involve a multidisciplinary team of specialists working collaboratively. This team may include medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care providers. Regular tumor board meetings facilitate case discussions and treatment planning. Dr. Kridel actively collaborates within this team to ensure patients receive coordinated, holistic care tailored to their individual needs.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
610 University Ave, Department of Anatomic Pathology
Toronto, ON M5G 2M9

Phone: (416) 946-2169 | Fax: (416) 946-4520

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kridel is a licensed Hematologist 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 other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kridel-Robert-Norbert/0314489-111445