About
Dr. Rebecca Jane O'Leary, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing patient-centered treatment and holistic management. Dr. O'Leary is committed to fostering trusting relationships with her patients and their families, ensuring that each individual receives attentive and respectful care.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine (Canada) and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized certification in Geriatric Medicine. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest evidence-based practices and guidelines.
Dr. O'Leary's clinical philosophy centers on warmth, compassion, and community engagement. She believes in building strong relationships with her patients and their families, respecting their cultural and personal values. Fluent in English, she strives to create an inclusive environment where every patient feels heard, valued, and empowered to participate actively in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. O'Leary provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
Dr. O'Leary 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.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- 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. O'Leary. 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. O'Leary'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. O'Leary’s practice is located in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, situated in the vibrant community of Ainslie Wood near McMaster University. Her clinic is conveniently accessible in close proximity to Westmount Recreation Centre and Mohawk College (Fennell Campus). Patients can access the facility easily via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. O'Leary? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. O'Leary 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. O'Leary. 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.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. O'Leary, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
1-1280 Main St W
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1
Phone: (905) 525-9140
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. O'Leary 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/OLeary-Rebecca-Jane/0336109-135389