Dr. Naomi Silvia Spitale – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Naomi Silvia Spitale, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of her patients. Her practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing a holistic approach tailored to each individual's needs. Dr. Spitale adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical medical practice.

Dr. Spitale graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2005. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications reflect a deep expertise in managing complex adult and elderly health conditions, with ongoing commitment to professional development and clinical excellence.

With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Spitale is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care. She speaks English fluently and is committed to serving the Ottawa community with integrity and professionalism. Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing education, prevention, and collaborative decision-making to optimize health outcomes for her patients.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

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.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• 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.

Dr. Spitale 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• 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. Spitale. 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. Spitale'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. Spitale's practice is located in Westboro, within the neighbourhoods of McKellar Park and Laurentian View in Ottawa. The clinic is situated within Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, providing easy access for patients in the region. The location is conveniently near Sparks Street Mall and the National Arts Centre (Southam Hall entrance), making it accessible for visitors attending cultural and civic events. Patients can reach the clinic 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. Spitale? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

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

Can Dr. Naomi Silvia Spitale provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Spitale 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 Dr. Naomi Silvia Spitale communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Spitale will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Room H141, H Wing, 1145 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4

Phone: (613) 722-6521 | Fax: (613) 798-2980

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Spitale 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/Spitale-Naomi-Silvia/0220351-82986