Dr. Debrah Lynn O’Keefe – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Debrah Lynn O'Keefe 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, including Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, and the Westboro East neighborhood. Her practice emphasizes adherence to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. O'Keefe's role involves managing complex adult medical cases and promoting healthy aging through individualized care plans.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1984 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications include diplomate status from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her specialized expertise in her fields of practice.

Dr. O'Keefe’s clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, prioritizing patient-centered care. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community, communicating primarily in English, and ensuring that her patients receive the highest quality of medical attention tailored to their individual needs.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Dr. O'Keefe 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.

• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• 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. O'Keefe. 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. O'Keefe'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. O'Keefe's practice is situated in the vibrant neighborhoods of Hintonburg, near the Civic Hospital, and in the Westboro East area of Ottawa. The location is conveniently accessible from the Canadian War Museum and well-served by OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. Patients can reach her office easily via public transportation or personal vehicle. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. O'Keefe? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. O'Keefe 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. O'Keefe. 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.

Will Dr. Debrah Lynn O'Keefe replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. O'Keefe acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. O'Keefe will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. O'Keefe'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.

Does Dr. Debrah Lynn O'Keefe discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. O'Keefe encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

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.

1053 Carling avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 798-5555 | Fax: (613) 761-4665

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. O'Keefe 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/OKeefe-Debrah-Lynn/0040399-54375