Dr. Teresa Semalulu – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Semalulu serves as a trusted medical specialist dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive healthcare. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on enhancing the health and well-being of adults, including older adults and seniors. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and patient-centered care.

Dr. Teresa Semalulu graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in 2018 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest level of clinical expertise, enabling her to address complex adult health issues effectively. She continually updates her skills to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices in her field.

Her clinical philosophy is warm and community-focused, emphasizing building trusting relationships with her patients. Dr. Semalulu is committed to supporting her patients' independence and quality of life through personalized care plans. She communicates fluently in English and is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of her community in Hamilton and beyond.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

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

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Dr. Semalulu 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.

• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Semalulu. 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. Semalulu'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. Semalulu's practice is located in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, ON, within the vicinity of Ainslie Wood and the McMaster University area. The clinic is situated within a facility affiliated with the University of Toronto, providing a trusted environment for adult and senior care. The location is conveniently accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), making it easy for patients to reach her practice. The area is close to Eastgate Square and the Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site in Stoney Creek, offering a scenic and accessible setting. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Does Dr. Semalulu handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Semalulu will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

Will Dr. Semalulu replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. Semalulu acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. Semalulu will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

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 (such as Thyroid Disorders, Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers or Delirium Prevention & Management is crucial, Dr. Semalulu 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 (Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss), and participation in meaningful activities.

University of Toronto
1280 Main Street West, Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department
Hamilton, ON L8S 3L8

Phone: (905) 525-9140

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Semalulu 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/Semalulu-Teresa/0324888-115811