About
Dr. Phyllis Ruth McPherson 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, offering expert assessment and management of various adult health issues. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. McPherson graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1984. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine. Her certification and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to maintaining up-to-date expertise in her fields of practice.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach, prioritizing patient-centered care. She is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community, speaking both English and French fluently, and strives to provide compassionate, comprehensive care for adults and older adults alike.
Dr. McPherson provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
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.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
Dr. McPherson 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.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- 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.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. McPherson. 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. McPherson'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. McPherson’s practice is located in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood, close to Ottawa’s Civic Hospital and the Westboro East area. The location offers easy access to major landmarks such as the Canadian War Museum and Westboro Beach, making it convenient for patients from various parts of Ottawa. The facility is well-connected via OC Transpo bus routes and the O-Train LRT, providing reliable public transportation options. The practice location is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. McPherson? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. McPherson 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. McPherson. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. McPherson will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- Does Dr. McPherson handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. McPherson will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.
Suite 310, 40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7
Phone: (613) 696-7341 | Fax: (613) 696-7130
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. McPherson 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/McPherson-Phyllis-Ruth/0040106-54082