About
Dr. Shiphra Rachel Ginsburg 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. Her practice adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Ginsburg provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life for her patients.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1990, and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training. Her certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine and additional specialization in Geriatric Medicine, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence.
With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Ginsburg is dedicated to serving the Toronto community. She speaks English fluently and emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring her patients receive tailored and effective medical care. Her philosophy centers on evidence-based practices, compassionate care, and continuous learning to best serve her adult and senior patients.
Dr. Ginsburg provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
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.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Dr. Ginsburg 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.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Ginsburg. 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. Ginsburg'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. Ginsburg's practice is located in the Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto, ON. The clinic is conveniently situated near Polson Pier and Cherry Beach, offering a scenic and accessible environment. It is easily accessible via TTC services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Ginsburg? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Ginsburg 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. Ginsburg. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Ginsburg 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 her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
- The referral letter if you have it.
- A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
- A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
- A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Ginsburg.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Ginsburg, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- 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.
600 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X5
Phone: (416) 586-8671 | Fax: (416) 586-8864
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ginsburg 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/Ginsburg-Shiphra-Rachel/0048329-62307