Dr. Katherine Elizabeth Steckham – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Katherine Elizabeth Steckham, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Steckham provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adult patients, including seniors, with a focus on improving quality of life and functional independence.

Dr. Steckham graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2018 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her certifications include the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada specialization in Internal Medicine, along with additional training in geriatric assessment and management, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle complex cases involving multiple health conditions.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Steckham is dedicated to providing high-quality care for her patients. She is committed to ongoing education and healthcare excellence within the Hamilton community. She speaks English fluently and emphasizes compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

Dr. Steckham 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.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• 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.

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.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Dr. Steckham 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• 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.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Steckham. 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. Steckham'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. Steckham's practice is situated in Corktown, within the Stinson neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is located inside the Hotel Dieu Hospital campus, providing convenient access for patients in the downtown Hamilton area. The location is close to the Dundas Valley Conservation Area and the town of Dundas, making it ideal for patients from surrounding communities. The clinic is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) transit services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Steckham 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. Steckham. 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 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. Steckham uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

Is Dr. Steckham affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Steckham may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Hamilton's hospitals, including Hotel Dieu Hospital. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Steckham as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

Hotel Dieu Hospital
50 Charlton Ave E, Department of Ophthalmology
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6

Phone: (905) 522-1155 | Fax: (905) 540-6579

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Steckham 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/Steckham-Katherine-Elizabeth/0325215-115650