About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Janice Elsa Lessard serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Scarborough, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on adult patients including seniors. Her practice is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered healthcare in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She aims to address the complex health needs of her patients through thorough evaluation, management, and coordination of care.
Dr. Lessard graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine in 1982.0 (Canada). She has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, and has obtained certification in Geriatric Medicine. Her educational background and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with advances in medical science and best practices for adult and geriatric health.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes professionalism and clinical excellence. Dr. Lessard is dedicated to serving the Scarborough community with compassionate, evidence-based care. She communicates fluently in English and is committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative relationship with her patients and their families.
Dr. Lessard provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- 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.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- 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.
Dr. Lessard 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.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lessard. 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. Lessard'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. Lessard's practice is located in the central Scarborough area, easily accessible from nearby neighborhoods such as Scarborough Village, Morningside, and Agincourt. The facility is conveniently reachable via public transit, including local bus routes and the Scarborough RT line. It is situated near key points of interest, providing ease of access for patients from various parts of Scarborough and surrounding communities. The clinic is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lessard? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lessard 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. Lessard. 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. Lessard 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. Lessard 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 infections or nutritional issues), 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 (e.g., delirium prevention). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- Can Dr. Lessard provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Lessard can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.
1371 Neilson Road
Scarborough, ON M1B 4Z8
Phone: (416) 724-8531 | Fax: (416) 724-1885
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lessard 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/Lessard-Janice-Elsa/0042052-56030