Description
About Dr. Alexandra Catherine McFarlane
Dr. Alexandra Catherine McFarlane is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. Dr. McFarlane’s role focuses on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive management of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment protocols. Her practice offers a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease consultations and follow-up care.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2012. Following medical school, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Dr. McFarlane is an experienced Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex infectious conditions. She holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Infectious Disease Specialist in Alberta, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence.
Dr. McFarlane’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She emphasizes patient education about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. Dedicated to promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, she also focuses on the care of vulnerable populations and the management of complex infections. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other medical specialists to optimize patient outcomes and community health. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the treatment process.
Infections and Conditions Addressed by Dr. Alexandra McFarlane
Dr. Alexandra McFarlane provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. McFarlane manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
- Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Fungal infections caused by organisms found in specific geographic regions, which can cause lung infections or disseminate throughout the body.
- Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. McFarlane manages management may involve antiviral medications for specific viruses, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination.
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Focus on chronic Hepatitis B and C, utilizing modern antiviral therapies to achieve viral suppression or cure.
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Management of seasonal influenza and other viral respiratory infections, especially in high-risk individuals or severe cases.
- 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.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. McFarlane manages focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of infections.
- Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: May involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic antimicrobials.
- Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Vigilance for opportunistic infections.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Management of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) related infections.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Alexandra McFarlane is necessary.
Infectious Disease Services by Dr. Alexandra Catherine McFarlane
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Often involves complex decisions regarding device removal and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Guidance on appropriate antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic testing.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Development and implementation of antimicrobial guidelines and protocols.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. McFarlane.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) 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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. McFarlane practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic situated in Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Legislature Grounds, easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional, discreet environment for patients requiring specialized infectious disease management. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients, ensuring convenient access to care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Infectious Diseases
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. McFarlane?
- Dr. McFarlane treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. McFarlane?
- You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. McFarlane if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. McFarlane specialize in?
- Dr. McFarlane is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. She provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Are services from Dr. McFarlane covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. McFarlane under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. McFarlane?
- 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. McFarlane for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. McFarlane receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (780) 735-5088.
Practice & Licensing Information
an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton
10240 Kingsway NW, 310
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
Office Phone: (780) 735-5491 | Office Fax: (780) 735-5088
Dr. McFarlane is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. McFarlane, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. McFarlane's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1b7158c3-95b6-44b5-88dc-ef34e44fc0c5&i=957