About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Carol Lucy Gonsalves serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing personalized attention and holistic management to promote optimal health and well-being for her patients. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical medical care.
Dr. Gonsalves graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2000, earning her medical licensure in Canada. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, to develop her expertise in managing complex adult health conditions. Her dedication to ongoing professional development allows her to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices in her field.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on warm, compassionate, and community-oriented care. Dr. Gonsalves is committed to serving the Ottawa community with integrity and respect. She speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health concerns and goals.
Dr. Gonsalves provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- 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
- 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.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
Dr. Gonsalves 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.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- 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.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Gonsalves. 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. Gonsalves'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. Gonsalves's practice is located in the Federal Government Buildings (Parliamentary Precinct, Tunney's Pasture) neighborhood of Ottawa, near Confederation Square. The location is easily accessible via OC Transpo, including 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. Gonsalves? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Gonsalves 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. Gonsalves. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Gonsalves will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss Dr. Gonsalves's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- 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.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
- The referral letter if you have it.
- A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
- A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
- A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Gonsalves.
100 Eglantine Driveway
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Phone: (343) 551-7654
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gonsalves 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/Gonsalves-Carol-Lucy/0168844-77367