Dr. Dena Michelle Sommer – Internist / Geriatrician | North York, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Dena Michelle Sommer serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in North York, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, ensuring her patients receive attentive and personalized medical attention. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Sommer’s focus is on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to adults, including older adults and seniors, fostering a welcoming environment for her community.

Dr. Sommer graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2017.0 (Canada), and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications include residency training and board certification processes that prepare her to manage complex adult health conditions with expertise and confidence.

Her clinical philosophy is grounded in warmth and community engagement. She is dedicated to offering accessible, respectful, and thorough care to her patients in North York. Fluent in English, she strives to build trusting relationships with her patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported throughout their healthcare journeys.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• 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.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.

Dr. Sommer 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.

• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sommer. 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. Sommer'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. Sommer’s practice is situated in an accessible area near the central North York neighborhood of North York. The location is conveniently close to local points of interest such as the North York Civic Centre and the North York Centre subway station, making it easy for patients to reach via public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Is Dr. Sommer affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Sommer may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Toronto area hospitals such as North York General Hospital or other local facilities. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Sommer as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

What is the appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours' notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Sommer will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, she may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with her guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases such as advanced Cognitive Impairment & Dementia, Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders, multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management. Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

3560 Bathurst St
North York, ON M6A 2E1

Phone: (416) 785-2500 | Fax: (416) 785-2863

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sommer 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/Sommer-Dena-Michelle/0318464-112706