About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Heather Maye Spence Bollegala serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in North York, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, serving adult patients including seniors. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality, safety, and professionalism in all aspects of patient care.
Dr. Bollegala graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2017, Canada. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, along with specialized training in Geriatric Medicine, which enhances her ability to address complex health issues in older adults. Her certifications reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest level of expertise and clinical competence.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and patient-centered approach. Dr. Bollegala is dedicated to providing thorough, evidence-based medical care, fostering open communication, and supporting patients in making informed health decisions. She is fluent in English and actively committed to serving the North York community with compassion and integrity.
Dr. Bollegala provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- 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.
Dr. Bollegala 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.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Bollegala. 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. Bollegala'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. Bollegala's practice is located in the central North York neighborhood of North York, ON, conveniently accessible from nearby points of interest such as Yorkdale Shopping Centre and the North York Civic Centre. The clinic is easily reachable via local public transit, including TTC bus and subway routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Bollegala? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Bollegala 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. Bollegala. 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.
- Does Dr. Heather Maye Spence Bollegala discuss goals of care or advance care planning?
- Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Bollegala encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, osteoporosis, and polypharmacy. Dr. Bollegala, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?
- Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.
315-2221 Keele St
North York, ON M6M 3Z5
Phone: (647) 344-7500 | Fax: (647) 344-7600
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Bollegala 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/Bollegala-Heather-Maye-Spence/0317950-112294