Description
About Dr. Adam Stuart White
Dr. Adam Stuart White, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With conditions related to Diabetes & Metabolism, he practices at an endocrinology clinic within a hospital department in Vancouver, BC. He is a dedicated member of the local medical community, practicing in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, offering personalized and evidence-based care to optimize health outcomes.
Dr. White graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia (Canada) and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). He also maintains key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his practice adheres to the highest standards of professional excellence and patient safety.
His clinical philosophy is rooted in a commitment to evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, emphasizing patient education on managing chronic conditions, early and accurate diagnosis, and providing individualized treatment plans focused on long-term well-being. Dr. White is dedicated to serving patients in Vancouver with compassionate care in English, ensuring they are fully informed and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
Common Conditions Dr. Adam White Addresses
Dr. Adam White diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:
Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A progressive condition characterized by insulin resistance (where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin) and/or relative insulin deficiency, often linked to genetics, lifestyle factors, and obesity.
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM): An autoimmune condition resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, requiring lifelong insulin therapy for survival and glucose management.
Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders
- Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic skeletal disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process, resulting in bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and structurally unsound, leading to pain, deformities, and fractures.
- Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass): A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal peak density but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It indicates an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders
- Hypercalcemia & Hypocalcemia (Disorders of Calcium Metabolism): Evaluation and management of abnormally high or low levels of calcium in the blood, which can have various underlying endocrine or non-endocrine causes.
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid - e.g., Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Post-Ablation): A common condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, and dry skin.
- Thyroid Nodules & Multinodular Goiter: Solid or fluid-filled lumps (nodules) that form within the thyroid gland, or an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple nodules. Most are benign but require evaluation for cancer risk.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Adam White.
Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) Services Offered by Dr. Adam Stuart White
- Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
- Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
- Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
- Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
- Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
- Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. White for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. White's practice is situated within an endocrinology clinic housed in a well-equipped hospital department located in the vibrant Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver. The facility is conveniently positioned near City Hall, making it easily accessible for patients. Public transit options include TransLink services such as SkyTrain's Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The clinic is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing convenient access for local and regional visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. White, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. White, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. White's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.
- Is a referral required to see Dr. White, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?
- Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. White. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.
- Does Dr. White deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?
- As a general Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), Dr. White routinely manages common endocrine conditions that can impact reproductive health, such as thyroid disorders or prolactin imbalances, and can provide initial evaluation and management for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including its metabolic and hormonal aspects. For complex infertility requiring assisted reproductive technologies (like IVF) or highly specialized reproductive surgeries, he would typically collaborate with or refer patients to a subspecialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI).
- What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. White?
- Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. White if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.
- Dr. White mentioned 'dynamic endocrine testing'. What does that mean?
- Dynamic endocrine testing involves tests that assess how your endocrine glands respond when stimulated or suppressed by specific substances. Unlike simple blood tests that measure baseline hormone levels, these tests evaluate the gland's functional reserve or its responsiveness to normal control mechanisms. For example, an ACTH stimulation test checks how well your adrenal glands produce cortisol when stimulated. A dexamethasone suppression test helps diagnose Cushing's syndrome by seeing if cortisol production can be suppressed. An oral glucose tolerance test can be used to diagnose diabetes or acromegaly. These tests usually involve taking a baseline blood sample, then administering a medication or substance, followed by one or more timed blood samples to measure hormone changes. Dr. White uses these tests for more precise diagnosis of certain complex endocrine conditions.
Contact & Licensing Information
105-1985 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V6J 4Y3
Phone: (604) 689-1055 | Fax: (604) 689-2955
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. White is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. White for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327277/White%2CAdam