Dr. Shahna Khadija Tariq – Internist / Geriatrician | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Shahna Khadija Tariq is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in St. Catharines, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring accessible and patient-centered care. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Tariq specializes in managing a wide spectrum of adult health issues, emphasizing holistic and individualized treatment approaches.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the National University of Ireland in 2016 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include comprehensive residency programs and continuous professional development to stay current with evolving medical standards and best practices.

Driven by a clear and educational clinical philosophy, Dr. Tariq is committed to empowering her patients through knowledge and compassionate care. She speaks English and Urdu fluently, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations. Her dedication to the health and well-being of her patients makes her a trusted provider in the St. Catharines community.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Dr. Tariq 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 Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Tariq. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Tariq'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. Tariq's practice is located near the central neighborhood of St. Catharines, with easy access to local points of interest such as the downtown core and public transit routes. The facility is conveniently accessible via bus routes and is within a short drive from major roads. The practice is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Is Dr. Tariq affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Tariq may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at local hospitals such as St. Catharines Hospital or other regional facilities. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Tariq as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

Can Dr. Shahna Khadija Tariq provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Tariq can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems, handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

B1-295 Fourth Ave
St Catharines, ON L2S 0E7

Phone: (905) 687-4099 | Fax: (905) 680-8051

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Tariq 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/Tariq-Shahna-Khadija/0310830-109833