About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Christopher Gordon Anthony Lavalle serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Peterborough, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His practice is committed to serving adults of all ages, including seniors, with a focus on personalized, community-oriented healthcare. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives safe and quality medical attention.
Dr. Lavalle graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in 2018. He has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, specializing in internal medicine and geriatrics, which equips him with the skills necessary to address complex adult health issues. His certifications and ongoing professional development reflect his dedication to maintaining up-to-date knowledge and best practices in his field.
His clinical philosophy is warm and community-focused, emphasizing compassionate care and building trusting relationships with his patients. Dr. Lavalle is committed to the health and well-being of his community in Peterborough. He speaks English fluently and strives to communicate clearly and empathetically with all his patients, fostering an environment where they feel valued and understood.
Dr. Lavalle provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- 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.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
- 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.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
Dr. Lavalle 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.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- 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.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- 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.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lavalle. 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. Lavalle'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. Lavalle’s practice is situated in the heart of Downtown Peterborough, within the Central neighborhood. The facility is conveniently located near Peterborough Square Mall, making it easily accessible for patients. The area is well-served by Peterborough Transit, allowing patients to reach appointments via public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring all patients can receive care comfortably. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by car, providing added convenience for patients and visitors.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lavalle? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lavalle 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. Lavalle. 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 (Chronic Liver Disease, Frailty Assessment & Management), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- What kind of tests might Dr. Lavalle order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Lavalle may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). He will explain why any tests are being recommended and discuss the results and implications with you.
Unit 14, 1 Hospital Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6
Phone: (705) 743-2122
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lavalle 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/Lavalle-Christopher-Gordon-Anthony/0326084-115453