Dr. Jennie Johnstone – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Jennie Johnstone, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities. Her practice is committed to providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Johnstone offers specialized attention to adult patients, including seniors, addressing complex health needs with professionalism and clinical excellence.

Dr. Jennie Johnstone graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in 2002. She has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowships in Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices and guidelines in her field.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Johnstone is dedicated to delivering high-quality care to her patients in Toronto. She communicates fluently in English and is committed to building trust through clear, compassionate, and thorough medical consultations. Her philosophy emphasizes individualized patient-centered care, focusing on the unique needs of each adult and senior patient she serves.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

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.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Dr. Johnstone 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• 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. Johnstone. 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. Johnstone'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. Johnstone's practice is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighbourhood of Toronto, within Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. The location is conveniently accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The area is close to Chinatown and Spadina House, making it easily reachable for patients in the downtown core and surrounding communities. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Johnstone 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. Johnstone. 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. Jennie Johnstone handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Johnstone will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Johnstone will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

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. Johnstone'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.

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. Johnstone.

Soldiers' Memorial Hospital
210-600 University Avenue, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5

Phone: (416) 586-4800 | Fax: (416) 586-8358

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Johnstone 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/Johnstone-Jennie/0211769-80436