Dr. Lisa Chodirker – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Lisa Chodirker, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. Her practice is dedicated to delivering high-quality internal medicine and geriatric care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Chodirker graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2003. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and certification in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, ensuring her expertise in managing complex adult and senior health conditions.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach, ensuring that patients and their families are well-informed about diagnosis, management options, and preventative strategies. She is dedicated to serving Toronto residents and speaks English fluently, fostering clear and effective communication with her patients.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

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.

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.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Dr. Chodirker 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.

• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• 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.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Chodirker. 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. Chodirker'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. Chodirker's practice is located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto, within the grounds of St. Michael's Hospital. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Toronto Reference Library, making it easily accessible via TTC subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Chodirker 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. Chodirker. 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 happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Chodirker will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Chodirker may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

Is Dr. Chodirker affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Chodirker may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Toronto hospitals such as St. Michael's Hospital. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult her 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.

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 Chronic Liver Disease or Thyroid Disorders), 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 (Delirium Prevention & Management). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

St. Michael's Hospital
2075 Bayview Ave, Department of Otolaryngology
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-5847 | Fax: (416) 480-6002

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Chodirker 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/Chodirker-Lisa/0201000-79031