About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. David Ross Rea Ward serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Calgary, AB, he provides comprehensive internal medicine and geriatric services to adults, including seniors, in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His focus is on delivering patient-centered care that emphasizes diagnosis, management, and coordination of complex health conditions in older adults.
Dr. Ward graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2009. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, ensuring a high level of expertise in his specialized fields. His training emphasizes evidence-based practice and continuous professional development to stay current with evolving medical standards.
Adopting a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Ward is committed to providing high-quality care to his patients in Calgary. He is fluent in English and values clear communication and compassionate patient engagement. His clinical philosophy centers on thorough evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Ward provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
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.
Dr. Ward 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.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- 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.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Ward. 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. Ward'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. Ward's practice is located in the NW area of Calgary, serving neighborhoods such as Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is conveniently situated near the Downtown Core, easily accessible via Calgary Transit including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Ward? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Ward 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. Ward. 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.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms or Chronic Respiratory Diseases), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Ward'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.
1403 29 St NW, Foothills Hospital
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Phone: (403) 944-3939 | Fax: (403) 944-2876
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ward 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=39a51d16-9d22-4bf3-910e-aeadd2408b19&i=1528