About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Derek Yu serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Richmond Hill, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He primarily serves adult patients, including older adults and seniors, ensuring their complex medical needs are thoroughly addressed.
Dr. Yu graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2005. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, which have equipped him with specialized skills to manage a broad spectrum of adult health issues.
His clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach. Dr. Yu is dedicated to serving the Richmond Hill community, advocating for patient-centered care that emphasizes the importance of prevention, accurate diagnosis, and holistic management. He is fluent in both Cantonese and English, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Yu 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.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- 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.
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.
Dr. Yu 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.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- 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.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- 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. Yu. 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. Yu'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. Yu's practice is located in central Richmond Hill, within the Mill Pond neighborhood, close to local business parks. The location is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, ensuring convenient transportation options for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Yu? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Yu 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. Yu. 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.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Yu, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- 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 syncope evaluation or evaluation of inflammatory markers), 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. Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- Can Dr. Yu provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Yu 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.
Suite 303, 250 Harding Blvd W
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9M7
Phone: (289) 583-0202 | Fax: (866) 215-1066
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Yu 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/Yu-Derek/0220382-83010