Dr. Robert Steven Werhun – Internist / Geriatrician | Niagara Falls, ON

Dr. Robert Steven Werhun is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Niagara Falls, ON, he serves the surrounding communities. He adheres to the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Werhun offers specialized care tailored to the unique needs of adult patients, including seniors, ensuring a patient-centered approach that emphasizes evidence-based medicine and thorough clinical assessment.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1996 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His certifications include successful completion of residency programs and relevant postgraduate examinations, ensuring his expertise aligns with current clinical guidelines and best practices. His training emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of complex adult health issues and multidisciplinary management approaches.

Dr. Werhun’s clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, aiming to optimize patient outcomes through personalized care plans. He is committed to serving the Niagara Falls community, speaking English fluently, and maintaining a compassionate, respectful relationship with his patients. His focus is on delivering safe, effective, and up-to-date medical interventions to improve quality of life and functional independence for his patients.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

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.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Dr. Werhun 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.

• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Werhun. 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. Werhun'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. Werhun's practice is located in the downtown Niagara Falls area, near the Queen Street neighborhood. The clinic is situated within ErinoakKids, providing easy access for patients in the region. It offers convenient proximity to the QEW highway, facilitating travel from surrounding areas. The facility is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT), ensuring public transportation options for patients. The clinic is wheelchair accessible, accommodating patients with mobility challenges. Parking is available at the facility, making visits straightforward and comfortable for patients and their families.

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

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

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Werhun will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Werhun's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

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.

ErinoakKids
5803 Main Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 5Z6

Phone: (905) 371-1117 | Fax: (905) 371-9986

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Werhun 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/Werhun-Robert-Steven/0116762-70166