About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Ralph Francis Lee offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a dedicated focus on compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Lee adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice maintains excellence in medical professionalism and ethical standards.
Dr. Lee graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2002 and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His certifications include certification in internal medicine and additional training in managing complex health issues common among older adults. He continually updates his knowledge to provide current, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs.
With a warm, community-focused approach, Dr. Lee is committed to serving the Ottawa area with a philosophy rooted in compassion, respect, and personalized attention. He speaks English fluently and strives to foster a trusting and supportive environment for all his patients, emphasizing the importance of maintaining independence and quality of life as individuals age.
Dr. Lee provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Dr. Lee 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.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- 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.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lee. 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. Lee'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. Lee's practice is located in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood of Ottawa, within Fonthill Medical Associates, near the Civic Hospital and the Westboro East area. His location offers convenient access for residents of Ottawa and surrounding communities. The practice is situated close to the Ottawa Public Library Main Branch and the Rideau Centre, making it easy for patients to visit during their daily errands. Accessibility is enhanced by multiple transportation options, including OC Transpo services such as the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lee? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lee 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. Lee. 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.
- Will Dr. Ralph Francis Lee replace my family doctor?
- No, Dr. Lee acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. Lee will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like Delirium Prevention & Management or Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss is crucial, Dr. Lee also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)), and participation in meaningful activities. He believes in a holistic approach that considers both medical conditions and functional well-being.
Fonthill Medical Associates
Suite 205, 737 Parkdale Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 1J8
Phone: (613) 798-5555 | Fax: (613) 761-4147
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lee 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/Lee-Ralph-Francis/0190173-77471