Dr. Donna Martha Arab-O’Brien – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Donna Martha Arab-O'Brien is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a patient-centered approach. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective care for all patients.

She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing a broad spectrum of health issues affecting adult and senior populations. Dr. Arab-O'Brien has extensive experience managing multi-system diseases and complex medical conditions, emphasizing personalized treatment plans and holistic patient management.

Graduating with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in 1988, she completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her education and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to excellence in medical practice.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in clear and educational communication, aiming to empower patients through knowledge and shared decision-making. She is dedicated to serving the Toronto community, speaking fluent English, and providing compassionate, evidence-based care to improve quality of life for her patients.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• 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.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Dr. Arab-O'Brien 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.

• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• 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).

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Arab-O'Brien. 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. Arab-O'Brien'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. Arab-O'Brien's practice is located in the vibrant Parkdale neighborhood of Toronto, within the Roncesvalles area. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Bay Adelaide Centre and Toronto’s Financial District, making it accessible for patients coming from various parts of the city. The location is easily reachable by public transportation, including the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Arab-O'Brien 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. Arab-O'Brien. 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 happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Arab-O'Brien will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Arab-O'Brien may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

What kind of tests might Dr. Donna Martha Arab-O'Brien order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Arab-O'Brien may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Arab-O'Brien will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Unit 217, 30 The Queensway
Toronto, ON M6R 1B5

Phone: (416) 530-6466 | Fax: (416) 530-6510

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Arab-O'Brien 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/ArabOBrien-Donna-Martha/0045869-59847