About
Dr. William Guy Hughes is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Peterborough, ON, he serves the surrounding communities. Dr. Hughes adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care for his patients. His practice emphasizes thorough assessment and management of complex adult health issues, particularly in older adults and seniors.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1979 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include fellowships and specialized training in internal medicine, with continuous professional development to stay current with advances in medical science and geriatric care. Dr. Hughes maintains a commitment to lifelong learning to provide the most effective, up-to-date treatments for his patients.
His clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, focusing on individualized patient care, prevention, and holistic management. He is dedicated to serving the adult population in Peterborough and speaks English fluently. Dr. Hughes values building trust and partnerships with his patients and their families to optimize health outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Hughes 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.
- 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.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
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.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
Dr. Hughes 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.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Hughes. 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. Hughes'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. Hughes's practice is located in the downtown core of Peterborough, within the Central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Peterborough Square Mall, making it accessible for patients from surrounding communities. Patients can reach the facility via Peterborough Transit, which offers public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Hughes? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Hughes 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. Hughes. 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 Dr. William Guy Hughes provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Hughes 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 are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Hughes's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
- What kind of tests might Dr. William Guy Hughes order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Hughes may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). He will explain why any tests are being recommended.
327 Charlotte St
Peterborough, ON K9J 0B2
Phone: (705) 843-3555
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Hughes 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/Hughes-William-Guy/0027049-31872