Dr. Joanna Graczyk – Internist / Geriatrician | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Joanna Graczyk is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Kitchener, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, including Downtown Kitchener and the Cedar Hill neighborhood. Her practice is designed to meet the needs of adult patients, particularly older adults and seniors, ensuring they receive personalized and holistic care. Dr. Graczyk adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining high levels of professionalism and clinical excellence.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2008. Dr. Graczyk has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residency programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications reflect her commitment to ongoing professional development and expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric health issues. Her training enables her to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care tailored to individual needs.

With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Graczyk is dedicated to improving her patients' health outcomes and quality of life. She is committed to serving the community of Kitchener with compassion, integrity, and a focus on holistic health principles. She speaks English fluently and emphasizes clear communication to ensure patients fully understand their health conditions and treatment options.

Dr. Graczyk 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.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• 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.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/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.

Dr. Graczyk 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.

• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Graczyk. 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. Graczyk'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. Graczyk's practice is located in Downtown Kitchener, in the Cedar Hill neighborhood, near McLennan Park and Sunrise Shopping Centre. The location offers convenient access via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Graczyk 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. Graczyk. 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 kind of tests might Dr. Joanna Graczyk order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Graczyk 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.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Graczyk, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Graczyk uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease or Delirium Prevention & Management is crucial, Dr. Graczyk also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care, and participation in meaningful activities.

Suite 4111, 835 King St W
Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3

Phone: (519) 749-4370 | Fax: (519) 749-4378

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Graczyk 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/Graczyk-Joanna/0250260-88803