About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Katrin Lisa Conen offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in St. Catharines, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered medical services.
Dr. Conen graduated with a Medical Degree from Julius Maximilian University at Wurzburg in Germany in 2003. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized training in Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications and continuous professional development underpin her commitment to delivering up-to-date and effective healthcare tailored to her patients' needs.
Her clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach. She is dedicated to improving health outcomes for her patients through thorough evaluation, personalized management plans, and clear communication. Dr. Conen is committed to serving the St. Catharines community and speaks English, French, and German, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations.
Dr. Conen provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- 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.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- 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.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Dr. Conen 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Conen. 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. Conen'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. Conen's practice is located near the central neighborhood of St. Catharines within the Brightshores Health System. The clinic is easily accessible via local public transit, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The facility is situated close to local points of interest such as the St. Catharines Museum and the Welland Canal, making it convenient for patients in the region. Parking is available at the facility, and the building is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility challenges.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Conen? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Conen 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. Conen. 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.
- 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 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) or Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities), 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 (Adrenal Gland Disorders). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
Brightshores Health System
1200 Fourth Avenue, Emergency Dept
St Catharines, ON L2S 0A9
Phone: (905) 378-4647 | Fax: (905) 682-3391
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Conen 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/Conen-Katrin-Lisa/0317617-113776