Description
About Dr. Raymond Koon-Fai Li
Dr. Raymond Koon-Fai Li, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. Practicing at an endocrinology clinic or hospital department in Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Li's role and focus are primarily on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, aiming to optimize hormonal and metabolic health through advanced diagnostic approaches and personalized treatments.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University in Canada and has completed extensive postgraduate training in endocrinology. Dr. Li holds the necessary specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), enabling him to practice within Alberta's regulated medical standards. His certifications affirm his expertise in the field of hormone and metabolism care, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based management of endocrine disorders.
Dr. Li is committed to providing patient-centered care with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, early and accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans that promote long-term health and well-being. He dedicates himself to educating patients about managing their chronic conditions effectively and provides care in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding for those he serves in Calgary.
Common Conditions Dr. Raymond Li Addresses
Dr. Raymond Li diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, Low HDL): Abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including elevated LDL ('bad') cholesterol, high triglycerides, or low HDL ('good') cholesterol, significantly increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders
- Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g., Addison's Disease, Secondary/Tertiary Adrenal Insufficiency): Condition where the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient amounts of steroid hormones, primarily cortisol and sometimes aldosterone, leading to a range of symptoms and potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis.
- Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome): A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid - e.g., Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Post-Ablation): A common condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin.
- Thyroid Nodule & Multinodular Goiter: Solid or fluid-filled lumps (nodules) that form within the thyroid gland, or an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules. Most are benign but require evaluation for cancer risk.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Raymond Li.
Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) Services Offered by Dr. Raymond Koon-Fai Li
- Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
- Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
- Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
- Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
- Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
- Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Li for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Raymond Koon-Fai Li practices within an endocrinology clinic in Calgary's SW neighborhood, including areas such as Haysboro, Kingsland, and Kelvin Grove. The clinic is conveniently situated near historic buildings and a pedestrian mall downtown, accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The facility is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at or near the location, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Li, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Li, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Li's office, the hospital/clinic, or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. Li, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?
- Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Li. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.
- Does Dr. Li deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?
- Yes, as a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist (REI), Dr. Li has advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex hormonal disorders that affect fertility and reproductive health in both women and men. This includes conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, endometriosis-related hormonal issues, premature ovarian insufficiency, male hypogonadism impacting fertility, and recurrent pregnancy loss. He can manage ovulation induction, provide hormonal support for assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, and address other intricate reproductive endocrine problems.
- What conditions does an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Li typically treat?
- An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the endocrine system, which is the network of glands that produce and release hormones. These hormones control many important body functions, including metabolism (how your body gets energy from foods), growth and development, sexual function and reproduction, sleep, and mood. He is an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), specializing in Diabetes & Metabolism. Dr. Li manages conditions such as diabetes, thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, nodules), osteoporosis, adrenal gland disorders (like Cushing's or Addison's disease), pituitary gland disorders, parathyroid and calcium imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and some forms of hypertension or lipid disorders related to hormonal imbalances.
- What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?
- Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Li if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.
Contact & Licensing Information
1016 68 Ave SW, Suite 240
Calgary, AB T2V 4J2
Phone: (403) 705-3636 | Fax: (403) 705-2636
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Li is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Li for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=0980eaf6-2c6b-4441-90c5-fcc4a7e96a78&i=860