Dr. Catherine Beauchesne Charron – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Catherine Beauchesne Charron is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.

Dr. Charron graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2014 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residency in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her training emphasizes a holistic approach to adult health, integrating the latest evidence-based practices to address the unique needs of her patients.

Her clinical philosophy revolves around fostering a warm, respectful, and community-oriented environment. She is committed to Ottawa’s diverse population, speaking both English and French fluently, and strives to build trusting relationships with her patients and their families to support their health and well-being.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

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.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Dr. Charron 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.

• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• 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. Charron. 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. Charron'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. Charron’s practice is located in the Overbrook, Castle Heights, and Vanier South neighborhoods of Ottawa. The facility is situated within Humber River Regional Hospital, offering easy access for patients. It is conveniently close to the Westgate Shopping Centre and accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The practice is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, with ample options for patients and visitors.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Charron 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. Charron. 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. Charron 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 her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy. Dr. Charron, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss or Perioperative Medical Optimization is crucial, Dr. Charron also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care, and participation in meaningful activities.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Charron's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

Humber River Regional Hospital
713 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1K 0T2

Phone: (613) 748-4975 | Fax: (613) 748-4975

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Charron 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/Charron-Catherine-Beauchesne/0295259-103003