Dr. Tal Zucker – Internist / Geriatrician | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Tal Zucker, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in St. Albert, AB, she serves the surrounding communities and provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered services. Dr. Zucker's role involves managing complex medical conditions in adult and senior populations, emphasizing holistic and individualized treatment strategies.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 2001 from Israel and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include board examinations and additional qualifications in geriatric assessment and management, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in her field.

Dr. Zucker's clinical philosophy is rooted in professionalism and a clinical approach tailored to each patient's unique needs. She is dedicated to serving the community of St. Albert with integrity and compassion. Fluent in English, she communicates clearly and effectively, striving to foster trust and understanding with her patients.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Dr. Zucker 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.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• 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. Zucker. 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. Zucker's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Zucker's practice is situated in the neighborhood of St. Albert, in close proximity to St. Albert Centre Mall. The location is easily accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT), serving both local routes and commuter services to Edmonton. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring convenient access for patients and visitors.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Zucker? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Zucker are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Zucker. 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.

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems, handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Zucker will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Zucker may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

Does Dr. Zucker handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Zucker will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

201 Boudreau Rd
St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4

Phone: (780) 973-5720 | Fax: (780) 973-9110

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zucker is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b6d0f22b-45c3-4d8e-b39d-5392eb2f1043&i=1622