Dr. John Alden Dawdy – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. John Alden Dawdy serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on adults and older adults. His practice is committed to maintaining high standards of medical excellence in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa, the facility is conveniently situated within reach of the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch and Arts Court. The practice is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and local bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Dr. Dawdy graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1988, Canada. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, including residencies and certifications in these specialties. His training emphasizes evidence-based practices and a thorough understanding of complex adult health issues.

Guided by an evidence-based and informative approach, Dr. Dawdy is dedicated to providing personalized, patient-centered care. He is committed to serving the Ottawa community with a focus on improving health outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Dawdy speaks English fluently and values clear communication with his patients to ensure understanding and shared decision-making.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• 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.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Dr. Dawdy 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.

• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• 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.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Dawdy. 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. Dawdy'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. Dawdy's practice is located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa, Ontario. The location is conveniently near the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch and Arts Court, making it accessible for patients in the community. Patients can reach the clinic easily via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and local bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Dawdy 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. Dawdy. 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.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

1355 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON K1H 8K7

Phone: (613) 738-1584 | Fax: (613) 738-9097

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dawdy 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/Dawdy-John-Alden/0045439-59417