About
Dr. Joanna Irene Holland, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With conditions related to Diabetes & Metabolism, she practices at a dedicated endocrinology clinic within a hospital department in Calgary, AB. She is a respected member of the local medical community, adhering strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, ensuring that each patient receives personalized, evidence-based care.
Graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in Canada, Dr. Holland has attained specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). She holds certifications including FRCPC - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Internal Medicine, and in Endocrinology, as well as licensure from the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). Her extensive training and board certifications reinforce her commitment to providing the highest standard of hormone and metabolism care.
Dr. Holland's clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered care. She is dedicated to patient education, early and accurate diagnosis, and the development of individualized treatment plans that promote long-term health and well-being. Her approach involves thorough assessment, early intervention, and ongoing support to empower patients in managing their hormonal and metabolic health. She provides care exclusively in English to facilitate clear communication and understanding with her patients in Calgary.
Dr. Joanna Holland diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy for survival and glucose management.
- Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.
Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders
- Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic skeletal disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process, resulting in bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and structurally unsound, leading to pain, deformities, and fractures.
- Disorders of Phosphate Homeostasis (Hypophosphatemia, Hyperphosphatemia): Imbalances in blood phosphate levels, which can be caused by various underlying conditions and affect bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome): A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) - Endocrine Management: A common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular periods, signs of androgen excess (e.g., hirsutism, acne), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound, with associated metabolic risks.
- Cushing's Syndrome & Cushing's Disease (Hypercortisolism): A hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body's tissues to high levels of cortisol, either from medication (exogenous) or due to overproduction by the body (endogenous - e.g., pituitary or adrenal tumor).
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Joanna Holland.
- Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
- Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
- Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
- Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
- Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Holland for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Holland's practice is situated within an endocrinology clinic in the SE neighborhood of Calgary, specifically in the Parkland, Deer Ridge, or Queensland area. The clinic is conveniently located near landmarks such as Prince's Island Park and Peace Bridge, making it easily accessible for patients. Public transit options include Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), with stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at or near the location, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Holland, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Holland, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Holland's office, the hospital/clinic, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Holland, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?
- Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Holland. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.
- What treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Holland discuss?
- If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Holland will discuss a management plan aimed at reducing your risk of fractures. This starts with lifestyle modifications, including ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D (through diet and/or supplements), engaging in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake. Fall prevention strategies are also important. If medication is indicated based on your bone density (DXA scan) and fracture risk assessment (e.g., using FRAX or CAROC tools), options include antiresorptive medications that slow bone loss (like bisphosphonates or denosumab) or anabolic agents that stimulate new bone formation (like teriparatide or romosozumab). She will help choose the most appropriate therapy based on your individual circumstances, potential side effects, and treatment goals.
- Dr. Holland mentioned 'dynamic endocrine testing'. What does that mean?
- Dynamic endocrine testing involves tests that assess how your endocrine glands respond when stimulated or suppressed by specific substances. Unlike simple blood tests that measure baseline hormone levels, these tests evaluate the gland's functional reserve or its responsiveness to normal control mechanisms. For example, an ACTH stimulation test checks how well your adrenal glands produce cortisol when stimulated. A dexamethasone suppression test helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome by seeing if cortisol production can be suppressed. An oral glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose diabetes or acromegaly. These tests usually involve taking a baseline blood sample, then administering a medication or substance, followed by one or more timed blood samples to measure hormone changes. Dr. Holland uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.
- Does Dr. Holland deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?
- Yes, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist (REI), Dr. Holland has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex hormonal disorders that affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men. This includes conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis-related hormonal issues, premature ovarian insufficiency, male hypogonadism impacting fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. She can manage ovulation induction, provide hormonal support for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, and address other intricate reproductive endocrine problems.
215-290 Midpark Way SE
Calgary, AB T2X 1P1
Phone: (587) 318-5208 | Fax: (403) 205-3113 | Website: http://c-endo.ca/
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Holland is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Holland for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=759e6289-2a16-41af-8816-68fdb25f0a01&i=631