About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Darren Chi Heng Lau serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Edmonton, AB, he provides compassionate, personalized care to adults and seniors in the community. He adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that his patients receive safe and evidence-based medical services. Dr. Lau's focus is on delivering comprehensive internal medicine and geriatric assessments that address the unique needs of older adults.
Dr. Lau graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2014. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowships in Geriatric Medicine. His certifications include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine, with additional training in geriatric assessment and care management. This rigorous education and training enable him to provide expert care for complex medical conditions.
Driven by a warm and community-focused philosophy, Dr. Lau is committed to building trusting relationships with his patients. He speaks English fluently and values open communication to empower his patients in managing their health. His goal is to serve as a reliable healthcare partner in Edmonton, offering compassionate support and expert guidance to improve quality of life for his patients and their families.
Dr. Lau provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- 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.
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
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
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Dr. Lau 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lau. 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. Lau'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. Lau's practice is situated in the south-central area of Edmonton, near the University of Alberta, in the Garneau and Windsor Park neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently located close to 4th Street Promenade, offering easy access for patients. It is well-served by Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lau? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lau 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. Lau. 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.
- Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?
- As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.
- Is Dr. Lau affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Lau 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. Lau as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.
8440 112 St NW, 5-112 Clinical Sciences Bldg University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Phone: (780) 492-7711 | Fax: (780) 492-7277
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lau 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=3d0beb12-1672-4e13-8dce-c616b1b8b1e8&i=823