About
Dr. Ruchi Murthy, 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 delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that all clinical activities meet provincial regulatory requirements.
Dr. Murthy provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, specializing in the management of complex adult and senior health conditions. She is dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults, including those with multiple comorbidities, cognitive decline, and functional impairments. Her approach emphasizes thorough evaluation, evidence-based interventions, and shared decision-making to optimize health outcomes.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2012, located in Grenada. Following her graduation, she completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowships in Geriatric Medicine. Her advanced certifications and ongoing professional development reflect her dedication to maintaining clinical excellence and staying current with emerging medical evidence.
Dr. Murthy’s clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community with compassion, integrity, and a focus on improving her patients' quality of life. She communicates fluently in English and values building trustful, long-term relationships with her patients to support their health and well-being throughout aging.
Dr. Murthy provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Dr. Murthy 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.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Murthy. 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. Murthy'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. Murthy’s practice is located in the Bells Corners area within the Lynwood Village neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is situated near the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and is conveniently accessible from Billings Bridge Shopping Centre. Patients can reach the clinic via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and local bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Murthy? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Murthy 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. Murthy. 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. Ruchi Murthy handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Murthy will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.
- Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?
- As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities or Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation is crucial, Dr. Murthy 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 (Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)), and participation in meaningful activities.
- What typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Murthy will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss Dr. Murthy's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
3045 Baseline Rd
Ottawa, ON K2H 8P4
Phone: (613) 721-2000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Murthy 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/Murthy-Ruchi/0280467-98588