Dr. Allison Mariko Nakanishi – Internist / Geriatrician | Victoria, BC

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Allison Mariko Nakanishi offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Victoria, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Nakanishi's focus includes internal medicine and geriatric care, emphasizing holistic approaches tailored to the unique needs of each patient.

Dr. Nakanishi graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in 2014. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatric medicine, earning relevant certifications that attest to her expertise and dedication to continual professional development. Her training emphasizes evidence-based practices and the latest advances in adult and senior care.

Her clinical philosophy centers on clear, educational communication and collaborative decision-making. She is committed to serving the Victoria community with compassionate, respectful care. Dr. Nakanishi speaks English fluently and strives to ensure her patients understand their health conditions and treatment options, fostering an environment of trust and empowerment.

Dr. Nakanishi provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Dr. Nakanishi manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Nakanishi. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Nakanishi's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Nakanishi's practice is located in the Fairfield East neighborhood of Victoria, within the Oaklands area. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Downtown Core and BC Transit Hub, making it accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Nakanishi? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Nakanishi are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Nakanishi. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

What are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Nakanishi's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Nakanishi's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Nakanishi, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

1952 Bay St, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Seniors Medicine, Memorial Pavilion
Victoria, BC V8R 1J8

Phone: (250) 370-8509

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Nakanishi is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336781/Nakanishi%2CAllison