Dr. Colleen Adele Sokolowski – Internist / Geriatrician | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Colleen Adele Sokolowski, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Red Deer, AB, she serves the surrounding communities with a patient-centered approach that emphasizes comprehensive evaluation and management of adult health concerns. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, safe, and ethical care for all patients.

Dr. Sokolowski graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Queen's University in 1996 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine and additional specialized training in Geriatrics, enabling her to address complex health issues prevalent among aging populations.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in providing clear, educational communication and fostering collaborative decision-making. She is committed to serving the adult population, including seniors, with compassion and professionalism. Dr. Sokolowski speaks English fluently and is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of her patients in Red Deer and the surrounding areas.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

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.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Dr. Sokolowski 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.

• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sokolowski. 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. Sokolowski'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 Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Sokolowski’s practice is located in North Red Deer, within the neighborhoods of Normandeau and Highland Green. The clinic is conveniently situated near Bower Place Shopping Centre, a well-known shopping mall in the area. Patients can access the clinic easily via Red Deer Transit buses, which serve the neighborhood. The facility is wheelchair accessible and provides a welcoming environment for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring ease of access for those arriving by car.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Sokolowski? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sokolowski are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Sokolowski. 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.

How long should I expect my appointment to last?

Initial consultations with Dr. Sokolowski are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.

Is Dr. Sokolowski affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Sokolowski may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at specific local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Sokolowski as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

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 (multiple medications). Dr. Sokolowski, 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 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss is crucial, Dr. Sokolowski 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.

3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Phone: (403) 343-4422

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sokolowski is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3688614e-11a9-4f68-a68d-2d538b69c354&i=1366