Our Team

Draft created on January 14, 2025 at 4:29 pm

Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist Fellowship-Trained Geriatric Psychiatrist
Mental health is critical to overall well-being, and it is my privilege to partner with my patients as they journey toward recovery and wellness. During a patient’s initial visit, I provide a full evaluation and seek to discover any potential issues that may be contributing to decreased well-being. It’s important for my patients to understand that there is a difference between normal emotional and cognitive changes common to the aging process and pathological aging. Depression, anxiety, dementia and other mental health disorders are not expected in normal aging. For seniors suffering with insomnia, anxiety, depression or another condition, there are many different types of treatments that work, including medications, therapy, and interventional treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). I am committed to meeting my patients where they are and working with them to come up with a treatment plan that is consistent with their values and goals. My motto is, “Never worry alone.” I am a dedicated advocate for every patient who comes to see me, and it is incredibly rewarding to walk alongside my patients as they get better and begin to thrive again.

Areas of Specialty

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood/affective disorders
  • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
  • Sleep disorders
  • Grief and adjustment disorder
  • PTSD and other trauma-related disorders
  • Memory loss and dementia

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Postgraduate

University of Mississippi Medical Center, Adult Psychiatry Residency Program Baylor College of Medicine, Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship

Our Team

Joanna Ira, M.D.

Board-Certified Geriatrician
As a geriatrician at Legacy since 2017, I see every day as another opportunity to help improve the health of my senior patients. Before specializing in geriatric medicine, I spent nine years practicing internal medicine and gaining a deep understanding of adult health issues, which inspired me to focus on health care for older adults (geriatric medicine). Board-certified in geriatrics since 2013, I have been fully immersed in caring for seniors, which has truly become my passion. One of the things that sets apart Legacy’s senior primary care services is our commitment to spending quality time with each patient. Typical appointments in our senior clinics are allocated 30 minutes, which allows time to address patient health care needs and also educate our patients and their families on prevention, diagnoses and treatment. I believe that informed patients are healthier patients, and I make sure to spend plenty of time on patient education. Whether we’re discussing the importance of Medicare Annual Wellness Visits or lifestyle changes to promote longevity and prevent common conditions like falls and osteoporosis in women, my mission is to empower my patients to take charge of their health. Beyond treating medical conditions, I am passionate about fostering personal connections with my patients. I encourage physical activity, healthy habits and meaningful interactions that enrich their lives. One way I encourage all my patients to stay socially active is by participating in our free monthly social and educational events at our senior clinics. At these events, seniors have an opportunity to socialize with others, learn something new, and have some fun! For me, being a geriatrician isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling to contribute to the well-being of our community and ensure that grandparents can enjoy every moment with their grandchildren.

Education

University of K. Marcinkowski, Poland, Medical Doctorate

Postgraduate

Caritas Carney Hospital, Internal Medicine Residency Baylor College of Medicine, Geriatric Residency

Languages

English Polish

Our Team