About
Dr. Deborah Michelle Siegal is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a patient-centered approach grounded in evidence-based medicine. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical care tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Siegal graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2009 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her advanced certifications and ongoing professional development enable her to manage a broad spectrum of adult health issues, especially those affecting older adults and seniors.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach, aiming to optimize health outcomes and quality of life for her patients. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community, speaking English fluently, and providing compassionate, personalized care to all her patients.
Dr. Siegal provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
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.
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
Dr. Siegal 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.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Siegal. 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. Siegal'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. Siegal's practice is located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa. The clinic is situated within Trillium Health Partners, providing easy access for patients from surrounding areas. The location is close to the University of Ottawa, facilitating convenient access for students and staff. Patients can reach the clinic via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Siegal? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Siegal 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. Siegal. 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.
- Can Dr. Deborah Michelle Siegal provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Siegal can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like Thyroid Disorders or Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is crucial, Dr. Siegal 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 (Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities), and participation in meaningful activities.
Trillium Health Partners
501 Smyth Rd, Department of Anesthesiology and Pa
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
Phone: (613) 737-8899
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Siegal 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/Siegal-Deborah-Michelle/0257843-90702