Dr. Jean-Claude Kalenga – Internist / Geriatrician | Kitchener, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Jean-Claude Kalenga offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Kitchener, ON, he serves the surrounding communities and adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on the unique needs of adult patients, including seniors, to optimize health outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Kalenga graduated with a Medical Degree from Université de Kinshasa in 1990, located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residencies and certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, ensuring a broad and in-depth expertise in complex adult health conditions. His training emphasizes evidence-based practices and continuous professional development to stay current with advances in medical science.

With a commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based, and informative care, Dr. Kalenga is dedicated to serving the diverse health needs of his patients in Kitchener. He speaks English, French, and Swahili, enabling him to communicate effectively with a multicultural patient population. His clinical philosophy centers on delivering thorough, compassionate care tailored to each individual's health goals and medical history.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

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.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss and cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Dr. Kalenga 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.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Kalenga. 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. Kalenga'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. Kalenga's practice is located in the downtown Cedar Hill neighborhood of Kitchener, within the facilities of The Ottawa Hospital General Campus. The location is near Market Square, providing convenience for patients in the region. Accessibility is facilitated by proximity to Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Kalenga 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. Kalenga. 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 exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems, handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
835 King Street West, Critical Care Wing 1401 Department of Anesthesiology
Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3

Phone: (519) 749-4300

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kalenga 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/Kalenga-JeanClaude/0276157-97049