What is Internal Medicine?
Specialists in Internal Medicine (often called “internists”) deal with the diagnosis, prevention, and non-surgical management of diseases of the internal organs in adults. These include heart, lung, kidney, bone and muscle, endocrine (gland) conditions.
Common Conditions Treated
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Cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, stroke, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms), and coronary artery disease.
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Pulmonary disorders such as asthma and chronic bronchitis/emphysema.
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Hospitalist medicine (care of the acutely ill in the hospital).
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Obstetric Medicine – management of medical diseases such as hypertension in pregnancy.
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Endocrine disorders such as high cholesterol and diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis.
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Blood disorders including too high or low blood counts, blood clots.
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Geriatric Medicine - dementia, frailty, fall prevention.
How do I obtain an appointment with Dr. McKenna?
Dr. McKenna’s clinic has a focus on Obstetric Medicine (care of patients with medical disorders in pregnancy), and management of complex cases with multiple medical disorders.
Your family physician can refer you directly to Dr. McKenna for a consultation. At this time referrals are accepted by fax.
What is the Wait Time?
Referrals are triaged based upon urgency. As one of only 6 General internists at Kelowna General Hospital with significant on call duties, clinic time is limited. Life threatening conditions and pregnancy related disorders are given priority to be seen urgently.
Note that our office wait time cannot accommodate consultations for chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue. Dr. McKenna does not prescribe or renew narcotic/opioids.
What should I do to prepare for my appointment?
Bring ALL of your medications in their original bottles, including supplements, over the counter meds, etc.