As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Yolande Nerissa Westra offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Grande Prairie, AB, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Dr. Westra adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice maintains the highest level of professionalism and patient safety.
Dr. Westra graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 1992. She holds certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC). Her extensive training and certification underscore her commitment to maintaining clinical excellence and staying current with medical advancements.
With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Westra is dedicated to providing patient-centered care in Grande Prairie. She is committed to serving a diverse patient population, including older adults and seniors. She speaks English, French, and Dutch, enabling her to communicate effectively with a broad range of patients and their families. Her clinical philosophy emphasizes thorough evaluation, compassionate care, and collaborative decision-making to support optimal health outcomes.
Dr. Westra provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- 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.
Dr. Westra 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.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- 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. Westra. 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. Westra'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. Westra's practice is located in central Grande Prairie, within the Mountview and Swanavon neighborhoods. She practices at the Yolanda Westra Clinic Grande Prairie, conveniently situated near Prairie Mall. The clinic is accessible via Grande Prairie Transit, ensuring ease of access for all patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Westra? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Westra 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. Westra. 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 happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Westra 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. Westra 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.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Westra are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.
Yolanda Westra Clinic Grande Prairie
11205 110 St
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 4B1
Phone: (780) 538-4938
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Westra 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=46b55d88-9e4f-47f2-898b-cb57cf30b37f&i=1543