Dr. Kinga Kowalewska-Grochowska – Infectious Disease Specialist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Kinga Kowalewska-Grochowska is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. Her practice is situated within a facility that adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and confidential patient care. The clinic offers a professional environment equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, emphasizing a discreet and patient-centered approach. Its proximity to Edmonton's Botanical Gardens (Pyramids), accessibility via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) (LRT, Bus), and convenient parking options nearby make it an accessible choice for residents seeking specialized infectious disease services.

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska's role as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) involves a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, management, and prevention of infectious diseases. She combines clinical expertise with advanced laboratory diagnostics, including microbiology testing and antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. Her practice supports a broad spectrum of infectious conditions, guided by current evidence-based guidelines and public health recommendations, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and infection control in the community.

With a strong foundation in medical education and postgraduate training, she graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Poland in 1975. She completed residency training, followed by specialized fellowship training in Infectious Diseases, and holds qualifications in Medical Microbiology. Her extensive postgraduate training is complemented by certifications that authorize her to practice as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) in Alberta. She is committed to continuous education and professional development to maintain her expertise and stay current with evolving infectious disease management strategies.

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska's professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases through evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance. Her focus includes managing infections in vulnerable populations and complex cases, working collaboratively with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. She is also proficient in Polish, facilitating clear communication with diverse patient populations and ensuring culturally competent care.

Dr. Kinga Kowalewska-Grochowska provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.

• Pneumonia (Bacterial): Treatment depends on the causative bacteria and severity.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Life-threatening conditions caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): May require oral or intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage for abscesses.

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.

• Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Includes prophylactic strategies and treatment of viral (CMV, EBV), fungal, and bacterial infections.
• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Vigilance for opportunistic infections.
• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska manages illnesses caused by viruses, ranging from common acute conditions to chronic infections.

• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Includes PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) services.
• COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Expertise in antiviral treatments and evolving understanding of the disease.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Kinga Kowalewska-Grochowska is necessary.

• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Post-travel screening for individuals with relevant exposures or symptoms.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Expert advice on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and community settings.
• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska practices at an infectious disease clinic located in Edmonton, Alberta, situated in the vibrant S Central neighborhood near the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park. The clinic is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, with parking options usually available nearby. The facility is equipped for comprehensive infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment for patients seeking expert infectious disease management. The clinic's proximity to Edmonton's Botanical Gardens (Pyramids) provides a serene setting for patient visits, emphasizing comfort and confidentiality in a central urban location.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska?

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (780) 407-3864.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska?

A consultation with Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

Are services from Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

What is Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska may be dually certified in both ID and Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. A Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton
8440 112 St NW, 2B3.01
Edmonton, AB T6G 2J2

Office Phone: (780) 407-7121 | Office Fax: (780) 407-3864

Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Kowalewska-Grochowska's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=326d3fc3-bc53-4fec-8dd3-07e716dcf649&i=784