Dr. Melissa Anne Forgie – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Melissa Anne Forgie is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, emphasizing patient-centered care that adheres to the highest standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her practice emphasizes a holistic approach to adult health, with particular expertise in managing multi-morbidity in older adults.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 1991 and completed extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include fellowship training in geriatrics and internal medicine, ensuring a broad and deep expertise in both acute and chronic adult health issues. Dr. Forgie remains committed to ongoing professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices and emerging medical research.

With a clinical philosophy rooted in evidence-based medicine and patient education, Dr. Forgie aims to empower her patients through informed decision-making and tailored care plans. She is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community and speaks both English and French, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. Her approach emphasizes thorough assessment, preventive strategies, and multidisciplinary collaboration to optimize health outcomes for her patients.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Dr. Forgie 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.

• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Forgie. 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. Forgie'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. Forgie’s practice is located within the Hintonburg, Civic Hospital, and Westboro East neighborhoods of Ottawa. She practices within the Operation Stress Injury Program, providing specialized care for individuals with stress-related health concerns. The location is conveniently situated near the Canadian War Museum and Ottawa River Pathway, offering a serene environment for patient visits. Accessibility is facilitated via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Forgie 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. Forgie. 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. Melissa Anne Forgie provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Forgie 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.

Operation Stress Injury Program
501 Smyth Road, St. Joseph's Health Care
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 737-8899 | Fax: (613) 737-8861

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Forgie 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/Forgie-Melissa-Anne/0049641-63619