Dr. Hernando Leon Ardila – Internist / Geriatrician | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Hernando Leon Ardila, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in the city of St. Albert, AB, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that each patient receives safe, comprehensive, and compassionate care. Dr. Ardila’s role within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care emphasizes holistic management of complex health issues common among adults and seniors.

Graduating with a Medico Cirujano degree in 1998 from Colombia, Dr. Ardila completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics. His educational background has equipped him with a broad foundation in adult health, emphasizing both acute and chronic disease management, with a special focus on the unique needs of older adults.

With a warm and community-oriented clinical philosophy, Dr. Ardila is dedicated to building trusting relationships with his patients. He is committed to providing care that respects cultural diversity and individual preferences. Fluent in English and Spanish, he strives to serve a diverse patient population in St. Albert and the wider region, ensuring accessible and respectful healthcare for all.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Ardila 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Ardila. 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. Ardila'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 Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Ardila’s practice is located in the vibrant neighborhood of St. Albert, connecting conveniently to Anthony Henday Drive. The location is easily accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT), serving both local routes and commuter services to Edmonton. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Ardila? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Ardila are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Ardila. 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 are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Ardila's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

40-161 Liberton Dr
St. Albert, AB T8N 6A7

Phone: (780) 347-0407 | Fax: (780) 470-3379

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ardila is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9b91ce92-0a0b-4625-95f7-ce0531fd4bbf&i=849