Dr. Zubin Dinshaw Punthakee – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Zubin Dinshaw Punthakee offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Dr. Punthakee adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered services.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1998 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and fellowship programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. His certifications reflect a commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in his specialty areas.

Dr. Punthakee's clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and clinical approach, dedicated to optimizing health outcomes for his patients. He is committed to serving the Hamilton community with integrity, compassion, and evidence-based practices. Fluent in English and French, he strives to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations and their families.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• 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.

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.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• 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. Punthakee 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.

• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• 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.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Punthakee. 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. Punthakee'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. Punthakee's practice is located in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, ON, in close proximity to the Ainslie Wood area near McMaster University. The location is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) transit routes. The practice is situated near the Westmount Recreation Centre and Mohawk College Fennell Campus, providing convenient access for local residents. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Punthakee 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. Punthakee. 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 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. Punthakee, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

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.

Is Dr. Punthakee affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Punthakee may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Hamilton's hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Punthakee as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

Suite 201, 1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 521-4971

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Punthakee 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/Punthakee-Zubin-Dinshaw/0149954-72253