Dr. Vanessa Martelli – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Vanessa Martelli serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on adults across the lifespan, including seniors and older adults. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical medical services.

Dr. Martelli graduated with her Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2014, completing extensive postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She has obtained key certifications and has further specialized in managing complex adult health issues, enabling her to deliver expert, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, empowering patients with knowledge about their health. She is committed to serving the Hamilton community with compassion and professionalism. Dr. Martelli speaks English, French, and Italian, allowing her to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations and foster a welcoming environment for all.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Dr. Martelli 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.

• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• 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.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Martelli. 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. Martelli'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. Martelli's practice is located in the Corktown neighborhood of Hamilton, within the Stinson area. The clinic serves the surrounding communities and is conveniently situated near the Hamilton Mountain Shopping Area. Easily accessible via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), the location is designed to accommodate patients with mobility considerations. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Martelli uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

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.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Martelli, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

50 Charlton Ave E
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Fax: (905) 521-6183

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Martelli 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/Martelli-Vanessa/0295738-103864