About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Emily Jane Lai offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Mississauga, ON, she serves the surrounding communities and adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Lai provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on optimizing health outcomes for her adult patients, including seniors and older adults.
Dr. Lai 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 holds key certifications and has engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices, ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of care grounded in the latest clinical guidelines.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing personalized patient-centered care. She is committed to serving the Mississauga community with integrity and compassion. Dr. Lai speaks English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. Her goal is to provide thorough, respectful, and effective medical care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Dr. Lai provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
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.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
- 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.
Dr. Lai 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.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lai. 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. Lai'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. Lai's practice is located in the Cooksville East area of Mississauga, within the Mississauga Valleys neighborhood. The clinic is situated near the Riverwood Conservancy and is easily accessible via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). The facility is within the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre complex, providing a convenient healthcare environment. Parking is available at the facility, and the location is wheelchair accessible for patients with mobility needs.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lai? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lai 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. Lai. 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. Lai 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. Lai 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.
- 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 Chronic Liver Disease), 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 (Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Room A455, 1000 Middlegate Rd
Mississauga, ON L4Y 1M3
Phone: (905) 804-7000 | Fax: (905) 804-2250
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lai 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/Lai-Emily-Jane/0232938-84675