About
Dr. Ranjani Somayaji is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Calgary in Calgary, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality care. She offers comprehensive consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment guidelines. The clinic provides a professional and discreet environment tailored for infectious disease assessment and follow-up, with accessible public parking and close proximity to Calgary Transit options, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services.
Dr. Somayaji graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2010. Following medical school, she completed her residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She is an experienced Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases and holds the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. Her certifications include comprehensive postgraduate training and adherence to the standards required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. Dr. Somayaji promotes antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance and focuses on managing infections in vulnerable populations and complex cases. She collaborates closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to optimize patient and community health outcomes. Additionally, she is proficient in Kannada, ensuring clear communication with a diverse patient population.
Dr. Ranjani Somayaji provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Somayaji manages illnesses caused by viruses, ranging from common acute conditions to chronic infections.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, monitoring for opportunistic infections, and addressing long-term health.
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Diagnosis, management, and treatment of liver inflammation caused by hepatitis viruses.
- Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Somayaji manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
- Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by parasites like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, or Entamoeba histolytica.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Examples include invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Somayaji manages treatment typically involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, a cornerstone of infectious disease practice.
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
- Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Life-threatening conditions caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Ranjani Somayaji is necessary.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Often involves complex decisions regarding device removal and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial management of infections affecting bones and joints.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Consultation on complex antimicrobial regimens and management of side effects.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Somayaji.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant associations such as AMMI Canada, PHAC, and provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Somayaji practices at an infectious disease clinic located in Calgary's NW neighbourhoods, including Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). The clinic is conveniently situated near GMC Stadium and is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, ensuring a professional and discreet environment for patients. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available, providing convenient access for patients seeking specialized infectious disease management.
- Are services from Dr. Somayaji covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Somayaji, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Somayaji, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Somayaji's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- Dr. Somayaji, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Somayaji may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Somayaji?
- A consultation with Dr. Somayaji is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from her expertise. Usually, your primary care physician will coordinate a referral.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Somayaji specialize in?
- Dr. Somayaji is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. She provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Somayaji?
- Dr. Somayaji treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
an infectious disease clinic in Calgary
3330 Hospital Dr NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4N1
Office Phone: (403) 944-8330
Dr. Somayaji is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Somayaji, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Somayaji's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=bc8b6a06-0092-4d6d-a6c4-88bb13200f0e&i=1368