Description
About Dr. Ruth Horn
Dr. Ruth Horn is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at Hôpital Royal Victoria in Montréal, QC, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. Her practice is built on strict adherence to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Horn’s role as a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. She also specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.
Dr. Horn holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has completed comprehensive postgraduate training, including residency and a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Additionally, she has qualifications in Medical Microbiology, enabling her to integrate laboratory diagnostics with clinical management effectively. With over 12 years of experience since 2012 as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), she is well-versed in managing complex infectious conditions. She has completed rigorous postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Quebec, ensuring her expertise aligns with provincial standards and practices.
Dr. Horn’s professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She is committed to educating her patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. A strong advocate for antimicrobial stewardship, she aims to combat antibiotic resistance through judicious prescribing practices. Her focus includes providing care for vulnerable populations and managing complex infections with a collaborative approach involving primary care physicians, public health entities, and other specialists. Dr. Horn provides infectious disease consultations and treatments in French, ensuring clear communication and patient understanding. She is dedicated to advancing patient health and managing infectious diseases in Montréal with professionalism and precision.
Infections and Conditions Addressed by Dr. Ruth Horn
Dr. Ruth Horn provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Horn manages infectious disease specialists manage complex or severe viral illnesses.
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Prevention through vaccination (Hep A, Hep B) and risk reduction counseling.
- COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Expertise in antiviral treatments and evolving understanding of the disease.
- Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Horn manages focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of infections.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Prophylaxis and treatment of febrile neutropenia and specific infections common in cancer patients.
- Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Includes prophylactic strategies and treatment of viral (CMV, EBV), fungal, and bacterial infections.
- Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: May involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic antimicrobials.
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Horn manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.
- Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by parasites like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, or Entamoeba histolytica.
- Malaria: Treatment with appropriate antimalarial drugs based on species and resistance patterns; chemoprophylaxis for travelers.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Ruth Horn is necessary.
Infectious Disease Services by Dr. Ruth Horn
- Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Expert interpretation of complex microbiology laboratory results, including susceptibility testing.
- Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Analysis of pathogen typing and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and management of complex or unusual infections.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Consultation for prevention of device-related infections.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Expert advice on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and community settings.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Horn.
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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Horn practices primarily at Hôpital Royal Victoria, situated in Montréal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighborhood. The hospital is conveniently located near Chinatown and is accessible via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro and bus routes. The clinic offers a professional and discreet environment for specialized infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. The facility is equipped for infectious disease assessments, and parking is typically available with accessible spots nearby, ensuring ease of access for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management.
Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Microbiology Co-Focus
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Horn?
- As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Horn 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?
- Dr. Horn, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Horn may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases, combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- What is Dr. Horn's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Dr. Horn contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. She advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Horn specialize in?
- Dr. Horn is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. She provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Horn?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Horn for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)). This ensures that Dr. Horn receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Horn's clinic for referral instructions.
Practice & Licensing Information
Hôpital Royal Victoria
E051832-1001 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1
Office Phone: (514) 934-1934
Dr. Horn 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. Horn, particularly for services covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Verify Dr. Horn's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=80508