Dr. Vijay Prakash Sharma – Internist / Geriatrician | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Vijay Prakash Sharma, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Medicine Hat, AB, he serves the surrounding communities with dedication to comprehensive patient care. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality medical services. Dr. Sharma provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adult patients, including seniors.

He graduated with an MBBS degree in 1988 from India and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His education and training enable him to diagnose, manage, and coordinate care for a broad spectrum of adult health conditions, emphasizing a holistic approach tailored to individual patient needs.

Dr. Sharma’s clinical philosophy is rooted in clear, educational communication and evidence-based practices. He is committed to serving the Medicine Hat community with integrity and compassion. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Nepali, he strives to make his patients feel comfortable and well-informed during their healthcare journey.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• 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.

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.
• 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. 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.

• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• 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.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sharma. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he 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 Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Sharma's practice is located in Downtown Medicine Hat, in the SE Hill and River Flats neighborhood, close to Medicine Hat Mall. The location offers convenient access via Medicine Hat Transit, making it easy for patients to attend appointments. Parking is available at the facility, and the building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and accessibility for all patients.

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

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sharma 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. 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.

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 typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Sharma will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Sharma's 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 (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Sharma.

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.

821B 5 St SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H7

Phone: (403) 487-0970 | Fax: (403) 487-0969

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sharma 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=ff57fd2c-d427-401b-8334-996beff369dd&i=1319