Referral-based virtual consultations in Obesity Medicine, Nephrology, Diabetes Care and Complex Internal Medicine.
Obesity Medicine, Nephrology, Diabetes Care and Complex Internal Medicine are assessed in the context of each patient’s complete clinical picture.
Comprehensive medical assessment of obesity, related health risks and appropriate treatment options.
Specialist assessment and management of kidney-related conditions and abnormal kidney investigations.
Internal medicine–based assessment of type 2 diabetes and related metabolic health concerns.
Specialist assessment of complex adult medical concerns requiring a broad internal medicine perspective.
Many outpatient kidney concerns can be assessed and followed effectively through virtual specialist care. Some needs depend on hospital facilities, procedures or a regional renal program. Every referral is reviewed to help match the patient with an appropriate and safe care setting.
Examples of referrals that may be appropriate for virtual specialist assessment and management include:
A hospital-based nephrologist or regional renal program should be considered when care requires, or is likely soon to require:
Please include enough clinical information to support triage and an effective specialist consultation.
New consultations are arranged after the clinic receives and reviews a written referral from your physician or nurse practitioner.
Your physician or nurse practitioner sends the referral and relevant clinical information to the clinic.
The referral is reviewed for scope, completeness, urgency and virtual-care suitability.
The clinic contacts you with scheduling information and instructions for the virtual visit.
Your assessment is completed and recommendations are communicated to your referring clinician.
Consistent with the CPSO Virtual Care policy, virtual care is offered only when it can support a safe and effective specialist assessment and is appropriate for the patient’s needs. An in-person examination, additional testing or referral to another service may be recommended when the clinical question cannot be adequately addressed virtually.
This clinic does not manage kidney failure requiring dialysis, including end-stage kidney disease or dialysis-dependent kidney failure. It also does not provide dialysis services, kidney biopsy procedures, or creation, assessment or management of dialysis vascular access, including arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and tunneled or non-tunneled dialysis catheters. Patients who require, or are likely soon to require, these services should be considered for a hospital-based nephrologist or regional renal program. If that need becomes apparent during referral review or consultation, the patient and referring clinician will be advised about the need for an appropriate in-person or hospital-based pathway.
Nephrology · Obesity Medicine
Diabetes Care · Complex Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine–Certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology
Dr. Fowad Shahzad Clinic is a purpose-built Ontario-wide virtual specialty practice providing referral-based adult consultations. Each consultation is guided by the referral question, available medical information and the individual needs of the patient.
The clinic emphasizes clear recommendations, communication with the referring clinician and appropriate follow-up. Virtual care is selected only where it can support a safe and effective specialist assessment.
For scheduling and administrative questions, contact the main line. Referring offices may submit referral documentation by secure fax or the designated referral email.