About
Dr. Justina Joyce Sam, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in North York, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. Her approach emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnostics, preventive strategies, and tailored treatment plans to improve health outcomes for her patients. Dr. Sam adheres strictly to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality care in accordance with provincial regulations.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2007 and completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine, along with specialized training in elderly care, which enables her to manage complex health issues often encountered in adult and senior populations. Her continuous professional development reflects her dedication to staying current with the latest evidence-based practices.
Dr. Sam’s clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based and informative medicine. She is committed to providing accessible, empathetic, and scientifically grounded care to her patients in North York. Fluent in both English and Chinese, she strives to bridge cultural and language barriers to ensure clear communication and optimal health management for diverse patient populations in her community.
Dr. Sam provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Dr. Sam 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sam. 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. Sam'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. Sam's practice is situated in the central North York area, easily accessible from nearby neighborhoods such as Willowdale and York Mills. The location is conveniently reachable via public transit, including subway and bus routes, making it accessible to patients from across the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those who prefer to drive, providing a convenient and stress-free visit.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Sam? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sam 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. Sam. 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 exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?
- An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation, Cardiovascular Conditions), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- Does Dr. Sam handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Sam 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.
1100 Sheppard Avenue East
North York, ON M2K 2W1
Phone: (416) 222-0660 | Fax: (416) 222-9238
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sam 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/Sam-Justina-Joyce/0242702-86675