About
Dr. John Martin Walsh, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Calgary, AB, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that all medical services are delivered with professionalism and integrity.
Dr. Walsh provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of complex adult health conditions. His focus includes optimizing health outcomes for adults of all ages, with particular expertise in caring for older adults and seniors, addressing their unique medical, functional, and social needs.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1986 and holds several key certifications, including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC). These credentials reflect his extensive training and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in medical practice.
Dr. Walsh’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and clinical approach, combining evidence-based medicine with compassionate, individualized patient care. He is dedicated to serving the Calgary community, speaking fluent English, and continuously updating his knowledge to provide the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Walsh provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- 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.
Dr. Walsh 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.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Walsh. 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. Walsh'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 Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Walsh's practice is located in the NE Calgary neighborhoods of Falconridge, Coral Springs, and Castleridge, within the John Walsh Clinic Calgary. The clinic is conveniently situated near Telus Sky and Arts Commons, easily accessible via Calgary Transit including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Walsh? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Walsh are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Walsh. 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Walsh's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation or Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2)), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- 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. Walsh, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- Is Dr. Walsh affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Walsh may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at specific local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Walsh as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.
John Walsh Clinic Calgary
Peter Lougheed Hospital 3500 26 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T1Y 6J4
Phone: (403) 943-4999 | Fax: (403) 250-3866
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Walsh is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9b420274-dd39-40a0-bcca-fc08ced1a9b6&i=1519