About
Dr. Savannah Cardew is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to high-quality internal medicine and geriatric services. As a licensed physician registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), she adheres to the highest standards of medical practice and professionalism.
Dr. Cardew graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 2004. She has completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine. Her education and certifications reflect her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in her field.
Her clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing personalized patient care and shared decision-making. She is dedicated to serving the Toronto community and speaks English fluently. Dr. Cardew aims to improve health outcomes and quality of life for her patients through comprehensive assessment, management, and education.
Dr. Cardew provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
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.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- 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.
Dr. Cardew 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.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Cardew. 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. Cardew'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. Savannah Cardew's practice is located within the University of Toronto campus, in the vibrant Harbord neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is situated within Humber River Hospital, providing easy access for patients. The surrounding area includes notable landmarks such as the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and the Royal Ontario Museum, making it a central and accessible location. The clinic is reachable via TTC, with convenient access by subway, streetcar, and bus. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Cardew? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Cardew 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. Cardew. 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Cardew's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.
- What kind of tests might Dr. Savannah Cardew order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Cardew 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.
Humber River Hospital
76 Grenville Street, Dept of Anesthesia
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2
Phone: (416) 323-7336 | Fax: (416) 323-7739
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Cardew 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/Cardew-Savannah/0240566-87042