Dr. Douglas Robert Bishop – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Douglas Robert Bishop, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice. As a licensed physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adult patients, including seniors.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 1970 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residencies and certifications pertinent to internal medicine and geriatrics. His training emphasizes a thorough understanding of multi-system diseases and the unique health considerations of aging populations, ensuring his practice is grounded in the latest clinical evidence and standards.

Dr. Bishop’s clinical philosophy centers on clear, educational communication and personalized patient care. He is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community, speaking primarily English, and strives to foster a collaborative healthcare environment. His approach aims to empower patients through knowledge and compassionate care, helping them make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• 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.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Bishop 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.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Bishop. 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. Bishop'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. Bishop's practice is located in Westboro, in the McKellar Park and Laurentian View neighbourhoods of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum. Patients can access the location via OC Transpo, including O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Bishop 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. Bishop. 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.

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 Frailty Assessment & Management or Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup), 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 (Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Perioperative Medical Optimization or Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms is crucial, Dr. Bishop also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease), and participation in meaningful activities.

How does Dr. Douglas Robert Bishop communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Bishop will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

What is the appointment cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours' notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.

Suite 103, 1335 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8N8

Phone: (613) 761-8015 | Fax: (613) 761-9585

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Bishop 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/Bishop-Douglas-Robert/0019311-24098