About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Sara Ann Kelly offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Thunder Bay, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, always prioritizing patient dignity, comfort, and personalized attention. Dr. Kelly adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice meets all regulatory and ethical guidelines to deliver safe and effective healthcare.
Dr. Kelly graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in 2014. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, with a focus on caring for adult and older adult populations. Her advanced certifications and ongoing professional development keep her well-equipped to address complex medical conditions, coordinate multidisciplinary care, and stay current with evolving best practices in her field.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in warmth, compassion, and community engagement. Dr. Kelly is dedicated to building trusting relationships with her patients, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making. She speaks English fluently and is committed to serving the diverse needs of Thunder Bay’s residents. Whether managing chronic illnesses, conducting comprehensive assessments, or guiding patients through complex healthcare decisions, Dr. Kelly strives to provide care that is respectful, thorough, and tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.
Dr. Kelly provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- 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.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic 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.
Dr. Kelly 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.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Kelly. 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. Kelly'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. Kelly's practice is located in the vibrant Port Arthur Central neighborhood of Thunder Bay, ON, in the Downtown North Core near the Waterfront area and Prince Arthur's Landing. The location is easily accessible via Thunder Bay Transit, with multiple bus stops nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenience for those arriving by car.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Kelly? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Kelly 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. Kelly. 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 kind of tests might Dr. Sara Ann Kelly order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Kelly 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 are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Kelly's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
- Will Dr. Sara Ann Kelly replace my family doctor?
- No, Dr. Kelly 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. Kelly will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Kelly are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.
35 Algoma Street North
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5G7
Phone: (807) 346-2310
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Kelly 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/Kelly-Sara-Ann/0295214-103513