About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Derek James Jonker offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. His practice is dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of adults, including older adults and seniors, within the framework of the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Jonker graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 1993 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He holds key certifications and has engaged in ongoing medical education to stay current with advances in his fields. His training enables him to deliver specialized care tailored to complex adult and geriatric health conditions, emphasizing evidence-based practices and patient-centered approaches.
Driven by a clear and educational philosophy, Dr. Jonker is dedicated to enhancing patient understanding of their health conditions and treatment options. He is committed to serving the Ottawa community and speaks English fluently. His approach focuses on building trust through thorough communication, personalized care plans, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Jonker provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- 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.
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.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
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.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Dr. Jonker 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.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Jonker. 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. Jonker'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. Jonker's practice is located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa. He practices within St. Michael's Hospital, providing convenient access for patients in the area. The location is close to Sparks Street Mall and the National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance), making it easy to reach for residents and visitors. The facility is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The practice is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Jonker? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Jonker 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. Jonker. 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.
- What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?
- A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Jonker uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
St. Michael's Hospital
2-029, 501 Smyth Road, Oncology/Medicine
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
Phone: (613) 737-7700 | Fax: (613) 247-3511
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Jonker 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/Jonker-Derek-James/0052708-66672