Description
About Dr. Ripa Akter
Dr. Ripa Akter, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe and effective treatment.
Dr. Akter graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in 2013 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her certifications include advanced training in management of complex adult health conditions, equipping her with the expertise necessary for comprehensive adult and senior patient care.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes professionalism, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. She is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community, speaking fluent English, and maintaining a focus on evidence-based practices to optimize health outcomes for her patients.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Ripa Akter
Dr. Akter provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
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.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- 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.
Dr. Akter 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Ripa Akter
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Akter. 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. Akter'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Ripa Akter's practice is located in the vibrant Westboro East neighborhood of Ottawa, within the Civic Hospital area, close to the Hintonburg community. The practice is also accessible from the nearby Scarborough Rouge Valley Centenary. Her location is conveniently situated near the University of Ottawa, making it accessible for university staff, students, and residents. Patients can easily access the clinic via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and local bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for all patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Akter? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Akter 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. Akter. 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.
- Does Dr. Ripa Akter discuss goals of care or advance care planning?
- Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Akter encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.
- What kind of tests might Dr. Ripa Akter order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Akter may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.
- What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?
- A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Akter uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- Can Dr. Ripa Akter provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Akter can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.
Contact & Licensing Information
Scarborough Rouge Valley Centenary
1053 Carling Ave., Division of Internal Medicine
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9
Phone: (613) 798-5555 | Fax: (613) 761-5334
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Akter 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/Akter-Ripa/0326494-116874