Dr. Tara Elizabeth O’Brien – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Tara Elizabeth O'Brien serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to adult patients, including seniors. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of patient care.

Dr. O'Brien graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in 1995. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, acquiring the necessary certifications to deliver expert care across a broad spectrum of adult and elderly health issues.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a professional and clinical approach, emphasizing evidence-based medicine, patient-centered care, and the importance of fostering trust and open communication. She is committed to serving the Toronto community and speaks fluent English, ensuring clear and compassionate dialogue with her patients.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• 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.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory 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.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• 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.

Dr. O'Brien 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.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• 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.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. O'Brien. 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. O'Brien'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. O'Brien's practice is located within the University of Toronto area in the Harbord neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario. The clinic is conveniently situated near Ontario Place and Harbourfront Centre, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Patients can reach the location easily via TTC, 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. O'Brien? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien. 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.

76 Grenville Street
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Phone: (416) 323-7559 | Fax: (416) 323-7739

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. O'Brien 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/OBrien-Tara-Elizabeth/0057784-69372