About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Alexander James Dick offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Dr. Dick provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing patient-centered practices that respect individual needs and promote well-being. He is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to adults and seniors alike, ensuring that each patient feels valued and understood throughout their healthcare journey.
Dr. Dick graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1994, Canada. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowships in Geriatric Medicine. His certifications and ongoing education ensure he remains current with the latest practices and guidelines, enabling him to provide the best possible care for his patients.
With a warm and community-oriented philosophy, Dr. Dick is dedicated to serving the Ottawa region. He speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming environment for all patients. His approach emphasizes collaboration, respect, and a commitment to improving quality of life for his patients, especially older adults and seniors, within the vibrant Ottawa community.
Dr. Dick provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Dr. Dick 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- 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.
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Dick. 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. Dick'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. Dick's practice is located in the vibrant Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa, within the Don Valley Health Centre. The clinic is conveniently situated in Hintonburg near the Civic Hospital and is easily accessible from the Glebe Shopping District. Patients can reach the clinic via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Dick? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Dick 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. Dick. 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.
- What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?
- An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Frailty Assessment & Management, Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- Does Dr. Alexander James Dick handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Dick 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.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Delirium Prevention & Management or Urinary Incontinence Assessment), 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 (Chronic Liver Disease). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- What happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Dick 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, Dr. Dick may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.
Don Valley Health Centre
40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7
Phone: (613) 696-7332 | Fax: (613) 696-7128
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Dick 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/Dick-Alexander-James/0144009-71417