About
Dr. Vanita Sharma, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and ethical treatment for all patients.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2009 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training. Her certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine and additional specialized training in Geriatric Medicine, enabling her to address a wide spectrum of adult and senior health concerns with expertise and compassion.
Dr. Sharma's clinical philosophy emphasizes clear, educational communication and individualized patient care. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community, speaking English fluently, and ensuring that each patient understands their health conditions and treatment options. Her goal is to promote health, independence, and quality of life for her patients across all stages of adulthood.
Dr. Sharma provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- 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.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- 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.
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
Dr. Sharma 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.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- 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.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sharma. 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. Sharma'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. Sharma's practice is located in the Bells Corners neighborhood of Ottawa, within the Lynwood Village area. The clinic is situated inside the Juravinski Cancer Centre, offering a specialized environment for complex adult and geriatric care. The location is conveniently near Dow's Lake Pavilion, providing scenic surroundings for patients. Accessibility is excellent, with easy access via OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Sharma? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sharma 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. Sharma. 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.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Adrenal Gland Disorders or Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol)), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
Juravinski Cancer Centre
3045 Baseline Road, Hematology Department
Ottawa, ON K2H 8P4
Phone: (613) 721-2000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sharma 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/Sharma-Vanita/0259261-90640