Description
About Dr. Marcel Ruzicka
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Marcel Ruzicka serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His practice is committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centered healthcare to adults, including older adults and seniors, ensuring that each patient receives thorough and individualized medical attention. Dr. Ruzicka adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining a high level of professionalism and clinical excellence.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Charles University Prague Faculty of General Medicine in 1985, Czech Republic. Following his medical degree, Dr. Ruzicka completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residencies and specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, equipping him with a broad and deep expertise in managing complex adult health conditions.
Dr. Ruzicka’s clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning. He is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community, speaking both Czech and English, and committed to continuous learning and professional development to provide the highest quality of care to his patients.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Marcel Ruzicka
Dr. Ruzicka provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- 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.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic 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.
Dr. Ruzicka 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Marcel Ruzicka
- Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- 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.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Ruzicka. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Ruzicka'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Ruzicka’s practice is located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa, within the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre. The location is conveniently situated near Westboro Beach, providing easy access for patients from various parts of the city. The practice is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services, ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Ruzicka? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Ruzicka 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. Ruzicka. 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. Ruzicka'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.
- What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?
- An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
Contact & Licensing Information
Sandy Hill Community Health Centre
1967 Riverside, Oasis Program
Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9
Phone: (613) 738-8400 | Fax: (613) 738-8337
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ruzicka 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/Ruzicka-Marcel/0118350-69954