About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Timothy James Robert Burns serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in St Thomas, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to adult patients, including seniors. His practice is committed to delivering evidence-based and patient-centered care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Burns focuses on addressing complex medical conditions in the adult population, with particular expertise in managing age-related syndromes and multi-system diseases.
Dr. Burns graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1975 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. His certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine, along with specialized training in geriatric medicine, ensuring he remains current with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices. His ongoing professional development underscores his commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for his patients.
His clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach, prioritizing thorough assessment and individualized treatment plans. Dr. Burns is dedicated to serving the community of St Thomas and surrounding areas, speaking English fluently. He strives to build trusting patient relationships through clear communication, comprehensive evaluation, and shared decision-making to optimize health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Burns 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.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
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.
- 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.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
Dr. Burns 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Burns. 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. Burns'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. Burns's practice is situated within the Polyclinic, located near the central neighborhood of St Thomas. The facility is conveniently close to local points of interest such as the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre and the Elgin County Courthouse. It is accessible via local public transit routes, making it convenient for patients traveling from surrounding communities. The practice is located within a modern medical building, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Burns? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Burns 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. Burns. 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.
- Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?
- Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.
Polyclinic
Unit B17, 189 Elm Street
St Thomas, ON N5R 5C4
Phone: (519) 631-2020
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Burns 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/Burns-Timothy-James-Robert/0023495-28287