FRCPC - Fellow, Royal College of Physicians Canada - Internal Medicine
Description
About Dr. David Xay-Ming Sam
Dr. David Xay-Ming Sam, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Calgary, AB, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Dr. Sam provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing the unique health needs of adults, including seniors, in a compassionate and respectful manner.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 1999 and holds key certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC). These credentials attest to his ongoing commitment to excellence and adherence to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Sam’s clinical philosophy is centered on warmth, community engagement, and patient-centered care. He is dedicated to serving the Calgary population through accessible, respectful, and comprehensive medical services. Fluent in English, he strives to build trusting relationships with his patients and their families, ensuring they feel valued and understood throughout their healthcare journey.
Conditions Managed by Dr. David Xay-Ming Sam
Dr. Sam provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- 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.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
Dr. Sam 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. David Xay-Ming Sam
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- 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.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
- 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. Sam. 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. Sam'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Sam's practice is conveniently located in the NW Calgary neighborhoods of Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is situated near Arts Commons and Calgary City Hall, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the clinic via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Sam? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sam 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. Sam. 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.
- Does Dr. David Xay-Ming Sam handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Sam will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.
Contact & Licensing Information
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Phone: (403) 220-6376 | Fax: (403) 283-6151
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sam 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=3f24c60c-6247-4926-bdc6-3a849e1f35dd&i=1270