Dr. Layla Safinia – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Layla Safinia is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), emphasizing patient safety and clinical excellence.

She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing a broad spectrum of health issues common in adult and senior populations. Dr. Safinia has extensive experience managing complex medical cases, coordinating multidisciplinary approaches to optimize health outcomes for her patients.

Dr. Safinia graduated with a Medical Degree from Shaheed Beheshti University in Iran in 1998 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her ongoing professional development ensures she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices.

Her clinical philosophy is centered on clear, educational communication, fostering understanding and active participation in healthcare decisions. She is committed to serving the Toronto community, speaking both English and Farsi, to better serve diverse patient populations with culturally sensitive care.

Dr. Safinia provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• 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.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• 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.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Dr. Safinia 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.

• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Safinia. 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. Safinia'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. Safinia's practice is located in the Willowdale South neighborhood of Toronto, within the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. The location is conveniently situated near Nathan Phillips Square and is easily accessible via Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Safinia 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. Safinia. 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. Safinia'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 infections or delirium), 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 (Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

What kind of tests might Dr. Safinia order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Safinia may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
H3 53, 309 Sheppard Ave East, Division of Palliative Care, Dept o
Toronto, ON M2N 3B3

Phone: (647) 340-7601 | Fax: (647) 340-7612

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Safinia 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/Safinia-Layla/0210484-81580