Dr. Alaa Rostom – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Alaa Rostom, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. His practice adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Rostom specializes in managing complex adult health conditions, with particular expertise in Geriatric Care, ensuring that older adults receive tailored assessments and treatments to optimize their quality of life.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 1992 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and additional specialization in Geriatrics. His certifications and ongoing professional development reflect his dedication to maintaining current knowledge and skills in his field, enabling him to offer the most effective and up-to-date medical care to his patients.

Dr. Rostom’s clinical philosophy emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and shared decision-making. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French, allowing him to effectively serve diverse patient populations in Ottawa. His approach aims to empower patients through education and collaborative care planning, ensuring that each individual’s values and preferences are central to their treatment plan.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

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.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.

Dr. Rostom 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.

• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• 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.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Rostom. 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. Rostom'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. Rostom's practice is located in the vibrant Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa, in close proximity to Lansdowne Park (home to TD Place Stadium and Arena) and Billings Bridge Shopping Centre. The clinic is situated in an accessible area, easily reachable via OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services. Patients can enjoy convenient access from various parts of Ottawa. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for patients with mobility challenges. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for those arriving by car.

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

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

Does Dr. Alaa Rostom handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Rostom will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

Does Dr. Alaa Rostom discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Rostom encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. He can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

1053 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 798-5555

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Rostom 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/Rostom-Alaa/0051133-65112