Dr. Eric John Eckbo – Infectious Disease Specialist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Eric John Eckbo is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Ottawa in Ottawa, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and safe patient care. As a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), he combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The clinic provides comprehensive consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment guidelines, all within a professional and discreet environment.

Dr. Eckbo earned his Medical Degree from Western University in Canada. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. He also holds qualifications in Medical Microbiology, enhancing his ability to integrate laboratory diagnostics with clinical management. With over 4 years of specialized experience as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) since 2020, he is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His certifications affirm his expertise in the field and his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical practice.

He is dedicated to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. Dr. Eckbo emphasizes educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. He promotes antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance and prioritizes the management of complex infections, especially in vulnerable populations. His collaborative approach involves working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to achieve optimal patient and community health outcomes. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, ensuring clear and compassionate dialogue.

Dr. Eric Eckbo provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Eckbo manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.

• Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Examples include invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Fungal infections caused by organisms found in specific geographic regions, which can cause lung infections or disseminate throughout the body.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Eckbo manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections in any part of the urinary system, often causing painful urination, frequency, and urgency.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Eckbo manages infectious disease specialists manage complex or severe viral illnesses.

• COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Evaluation and supportive management of patients experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19 (Long COVID).
• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Management of seasonal influenza and other viral respiratory infections, especially in high-risk individuals or severe cases.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Eric Eckbo is necessary.

• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Expert interpretation of complex microbiology laboratory results, including susceptibility testing.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Consultation on complex antimicrobial regimens and management of side effects.
• Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Includes skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Eckbo.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Eckbo practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic in Ottawa, located in the neighborhoods of Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Lord Elgin Hotel and is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients. Parking options are usually available nearby, making it easy for patients to access specialized infectious disease services in a comfortable setting.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Eckbo?

For most consultations with Dr. Eckbo that are medically necessary and covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Eckbo's clinic for referral instructions.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Eckbo?

A consultation with Dr. Eckbo is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Eckbo is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Eckbo may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Are services from Dr. Eckbo covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Eckbo under Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is Dr. Eckbo's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Dr. Eckbo contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.

an infectious disease clinic in Ottawa
401 Smyth Rd
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1

Office Phone: (613) 737-7600

Dr. Eckbo is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in Ontario. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Eckbo, particularly for services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Eckbo's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Eckbo-Eric-John/0328933-117868