About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Shirley Lam offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Lam graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine in 2010. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residencies and certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her training emphasizes evidence-based practice and continuous professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in her fields of expertise.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in clear, educational communication, empowering patients to understand their health conditions and treatment options. Dr. Lam is committed to serving the Toronto community with compassion and integrity. She speaks English fluently and strives to provide accessible, respectful, and personalized care to all patients, including older adults and seniors.
Dr. Lam 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 Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory 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.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
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.
- 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.
Dr. Lam 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.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- 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.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lam. 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. Lam'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. Lam's practice is located in the Downsview Central neighborhood of Toronto, within the LHSC Victoria Hospital. The location is conveniently accessible via TTC, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes. Nearby landmarks include Old City Hall and the Bay Adelaide Centre. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lam? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lam 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. Lam. 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. Lam'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.
LHSC Victoria Hospital
1235 Wilson Avenue, Department of Oncology
Toronto, ON M3M 0B2
Phone: (416) 242-1000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lam 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/Lam-Shirley/0291300-101999