About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Shirley Cruz serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Midland, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice is committed to serving adult patients, including seniors, with a focus on delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. Dr. Cruz adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Cruz graduated with a Medical Degree from Far Eastern University in 1984 in the Philippines. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, and holds certifications that attest to her expertise in adult and geriatric medicine. Her training emphasizes evidence-based practice and continual professional development to ensure the highest standards of patient care.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a professional and clinical approach, prioritizing thorough assessment, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing patient education. She is committed to serving the Midland community and surrounding areas, speaking English, Ilocano, and Tagalog, to better communicate with diverse patient populations. Dr. Cruz strives to foster a trusting and respectful doctor-patient relationship, promoting health and well-being through compassionate care.
Dr. Cruz provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
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.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Dr. Cruz 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.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Cruz. 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. Cruz'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. Cruz's practice is located within Riverstone Medical Centre, near the central Midland neighborhood of Midland. The facility is situated close to local points of interest and is easily accessible via public transit options. The practice is within a modern medical building that offers a comfortable environment for patients. Parking is available at the facility. The building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Cruz? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Cruz 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. Cruz. 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.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Cruz are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like Urinary Incontinence Assessment or Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes is crucial, Dr. Cruz also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions), and participation in meaningful activities.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
- The referral letter if you have it.
- A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
- A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
- A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Cruz.
Riverstone Medical Centre
Unit 2, 1112 St. Andrews Drive
Midland, ON L4R 4P4
Phone: (705) 245-2463 | Fax: (705) 245-0135
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Cruz 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/Babaran-Shirley-De-La-Cruz/0188752-77311