Dr. Jaclyn Ashley Ernst – Internist / Geriatrician | London, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Jaclyn Ashley Ernst serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in London, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her practice primarily serves adult patients, including older adults and seniors, ensuring tailored medical attention to this demographic.

Dr. Ernst graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2012, gaining a solid foundation in medical sciences. She completed extensive post-graduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics, acquiring the necessary certifications to deliver specialized healthcare services. Her postgraduate education emphasizes a thorough understanding of complex adult and geriatric health issues.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a clear and educational approach, aiming to empower patients through knowledge and understanding of their health conditions. She is committed to serving the London community with compassion and professionalism. Dr. Ernst speaks English fluently and strives to foster open communication with her patients, ensuring they are well-informed about their care options and management plans.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• 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.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Dr. Ernst 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.

• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Ernst. 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. Ernst'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. Ernst's practice is located in downtown London, within the North London East neighborhood. Her clinic is situated inside St. Michael's Hospital, providing easy access for patients in the community. The location is conveniently near Storybook Gardens and Springbank Park, making it accessible for outdoor and recreational activities. Patients can access the clinic via the London Transit Commission (LTC) bus service. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free entry. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

What kind of tests might Dr. Ernst order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Ernst may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Ernst.

St. Michael's Hospital
Bond 3-056 Rheumatology, 800 Commissioners Rd E
London, ON N6A 5W9

Phone: (519) 667-6771 | Fax: (519) 667-6763

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ernst 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/Ernst-Jaclyn-Ashley/0281294-98030