About
Dr. Alastair Slade Teale is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality and safe patient care. Dr. Teale's role as a Infectious Disease Specialist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a broad spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.
He received his medical degree from the University of British Columbia in 2013. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Dr. Teale is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training, ensuring he remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in infectious disease management. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.
Dr. Teale's professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases through evidence-based medicine. He is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance. His focus includes caring for vulnerable populations and managing complex infections with a collaborative approach involving primary care physicians, public health agencies, and other specialists. All patient communication and care are offered in English, with a strong commitment to patient health and well-being in Nanaimo.
Dr. Alastair Teale provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Teale manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Specialist consultation for complicated cases, recurrent infections, or those involving the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Managed in collaboration with orthopedic specialists.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Teale manages specialized care for individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for severe or unusual infections.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Care for complex infections during periods of profound neutropenia and immunosuppression following HSCT.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
- Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: Diagnosis and management of recurrent or unusual infections in individuals with inherited defects in their immune system.
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Teale manages illnesses caused by viruses, ranging from common acute conditions to chronic infections.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, monitoring for opportunistic infections, and addressing long-term health.
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Prevention through vaccination (Hep A, Hep B) and risk reduction counseling.
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Guidance on antiviral treatment and prevention (vaccination).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Alastair Teale is necessary.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Expert advice on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and community settings.
- Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Treatment for a wide range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Teale.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Teale practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Bastion, easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patient convenience.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Teale?
- A consultation with Dr. Teale is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.
- What is Dr. Teale's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Teale play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Teale may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- Dr. Teale, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Teale may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Teale?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Teale for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Teale receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 740-6949.
- Are services from Dr. Teale covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Teale under Medical Services Plan (MSP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
an infectious disease clinic in Nanaimo
1200 Dufferin Cres, Infectious Diseases Clinic - NRGH
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7
Office Phone: (250) 755-6233 | Office Fax: (250) 740-6949
Dr. Teale is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Teale, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Teale's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335061/Teale%2CAlastair