Dr. Dharini Mahendira – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Dharini Mahendira serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to adults, including seniors. Her practice is committed to adhering to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical medical services.

Dr. Mahendira graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2006 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She has obtained key certifications and credentials that support her expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric health conditions, emphasizing evidence-based practice and continuous professional development.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a professional and patient-centered approach, prioritizing comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plans. She is dedicated to serving the Toronto community and speaks fluent English, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her patients.

Dr. Mahendira 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.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Dr. Mahendira 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.

• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Mahendira. 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. Mahendira'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. Mahendira's practice is located in the vibrant Garden District, within the Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is situated within the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), providing convenient access for patients across the city. The location offers proximity to Sugar Beach and Exhibition Place, making it accessible for patients in the downtown core and surrounding areas. The facility is easily accessible via TTC services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The practice is situated in a wheelchair accessible building. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Mahendira 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. Mahendira. 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 should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Mahendira.

CAMH
Rm 6317, 6th floor, 30 Bond Street, Bell Gateway Building
Toronto, ON M5B 1W8

Phone: (416) 864-5295 | Fax: (416) 864-5139

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Mahendira 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/Mahendira-Dharini/0233759-84680