Dr. Samantha Halman – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Samantha Halman is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities and adheres to the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her role involves delivering specialized care tailored to the unique needs of adult patients, including seniors, ensuring optimal health outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Halman graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2008, completing extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She has obtained key certifications and has accumulated years of experience in managing complex adult health conditions, emphasizing evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, focusing on comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community, speaking both English and French, and providing accessible, high-quality healthcare in accordance with provincial standards.

Dr. Halman provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• 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.

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.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Dr. Halman 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.

• 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.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Halman. 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. Halman'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).

Located within the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa, Dr. Halman's practice is situated within The Ottawa Hospital. The facility is conveniently near the National Defence HQ (Pearkes Building) and is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The practice is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Halman? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Halman 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. Halman. 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.

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. Halman uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

Will Dr. Samantha Halman replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. Halman acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. Halman will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

What kind of tests might Dr. Halman order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Halman 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.

The Ottawa Hospital
Room C2196a, 501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Phone: (613) 737-8899 | Fax: (613) 737-8688

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Halman 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/Halman-Samantha/0251041-88586