Dr. Megha Poddar – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Megha Poddar, 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 delivering comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring patients receive safe and effective medical services.

She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adult patients, including seniors. Dr. Poddar has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including her Medical Degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine in 2010, followed by specialized residency programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her educational background equips her with a broad and in-depth understanding of adult health issues.

Dr. Poddar’s clinical philosophy emphasizes clear, educational communication and patient-centered care. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative relationship with her patients, helping them understand their health conditions and treatment options. Fluent in English, she is committed to providing accessible care to Toronto’s diverse population and strives to improve health outcomes and quality of life for her patients.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• 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.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• 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.

Dr. Poddar 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.

• 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.
• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Poddar. 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. Poddar'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. Poddar's practice is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, near Trillium Park. The location is easily accessible via TTC, 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. Poddar? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Poddar 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. Poddar. 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.

Can Dr. Megha Poddar provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Poddar can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy. Dr. Poddar, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

What is the appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.

123 Edward Street, Unit 1500
Toronto, ON M5G 1E2

Phone: (416) 237-0104 | Fax: (647) 478-2415

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Poddar 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/Poddar-Megha/0266114-93361