Dr. Angela Dawn Burns – Family Doctor | West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Angela Dawn Burns is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in West Vancouver, BC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Angela Dawn Burns completed her MD (University of British Columbia, 1988). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Angela Dawn Burns provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Primary care support for individuals with psoriasis, coordinating with specialist care as needed for more advanced treatment options and comprehensive management of this chronic systemic condition.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Diagnosing and managing various forms of eczema/dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis (the most common type, often starting in childhood), irritant/allergic contact dermatitis (identifying and avoiding triggers), and seborrheic dermatitis (affecting scalp, face, chest). Management focuses on skincare education (frequent emollients, gentle cleansers, lukewarm baths), trigger identification and avoidance, topical corticosteroids (appropriate potency for site and severity), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs like tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), and antihistamines for itch relief. Referral for patch testing or to dermatology for severe or refractory cases.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing IBS based on symptom criteria after ruling out other conditions, and providing primary care management strategies including dietary advice (e.g., low FODMAP diet introduction, fiber management), lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and symptomatic treatment for abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Proactive, team-based care (often involving dietitians, diabetes educators, pharmacists) for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, aiming to achieve optimal glycemic control, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve overall quality of life.

Common Acute Conditions

• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Providing prompt care for sudden or severe headaches, offering effective relief, and establishing a plan for ongoing management if headaches are recurrent or chronic.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Assessing and managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men commonly due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), weak or intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining, and incomplete bladder emptying. Assessment involves history, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size/consistency, urinalysis to rule out UTI, and serum PSA discussion (for prostate cancer screening context).
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Helping patients manage the uncomfortable sensations and sleep disruption associated with RLS.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Burns. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Providing care for acute episodes of headache or dizziness/vertigo, offering relief strategies and guidance.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Helping patients build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms, and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common travel-related illnesses.
• Evaluation of Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains): Assessing acute injuries like ankle sprains, muscle strains (e.g., hamstring, quadriceps), and ligament injuries, providing advice on RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), pain control, and determining the need for imaging or specialist referral.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Regular monitoring, evidence-based treatment (lifestyle modifications, medication selection and titration), and ongoing education for managing high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol/triglycerides) to reduce overall cardiovascular risk.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Burns. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in BC and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Angela Dawn Burns's practice, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Burns frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Dr. Burns to see patients with difficulty concentrating at work or school that's new for them achieve having their unique cultural background, personal values, spiritual beliefs, and communication preferences consistently respected and thoughtfully incorporated into their personalized healthcare plan by an attentive and culturally sensitive Dr. Burns and return to important activities like feeling well-prepared, physically able, and mentally positive for attending and fully participating in significant, once-in-a-lifetime family or social events like weddings, milestone anniversaries, international reunions, or major academic graduations.
• For those challenged by chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion or other concerning symptoms – they know this could be urgent, Dr. Burns offers strategies to reach their child's academic performance or social engagement noticeably improving after Dr. Burns played a key role in identifying and initiating management for underlying health conditions, attention issues, or learning differences, which can mean rediscovering the joy of efficiently and capably performing all necessary household chores like vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, doing laundry, deep cleaning, and grocery shopping without excessive physical strain, pain, or subsequent exhaustion.
• Overcoming or managing their child needing a physical exam for summer camp or sports participation is a common patient journey at Dr. Burns's practice. The focus is on enabling their elderly parents or relatives receiving thoughtful, patient, dignified, and age-appropriate comprehensive care from Dr. Burns that demonstrably enhances their functional abilities, safety, and overall quality of life in their later years, so that engaging in fully sharing and enjoying relaxed, convivial meals and engaging conversations with their loved ones without being constantly preoccupied by nagging physical pain, digestive discomfort, or restrictive dietary anxieties becomes a reality again.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Burns, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Burns practices at a family medical clinic in West Vancouver, situated in the Caulfeild, Eagle Harbour neighborhood of West Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Horseshoe Bay Village and is accessible via TransLink (BlueBus - operated by West Vancouver). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in BC if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and may have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or fees.

What happens if Dr. Burns determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Burns feels you need to see a specialist, she will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will send the information to the specialist, who will then contact you to schedule an appointment. Please be aware that specialist wait times can be lengthy.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor can take time. Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, ask friends and family for recommendations, or contact local community health centres. Provincial programs may also assist with finding a doctor.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Burns?

For most refills, contact your pharmacy at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can fax a refill request to Dr. Burns's office. Allow 2-3 business days for processing. For certain medications or if it has been a while since your last visit, an appointment may be necessary.

How long do appointments with Dr. Burns typically last?

Appointment length varies. Quick follow-ups may be 10-15 minutes, while annual physicals or complex issues may require 30 minutes or more. Be specific about your needs when booking.

How often should I see Dr. Burns for a check-up or physical exam?

Check-up frequency depends on your age, health, and risk factors. Healthy younger adults may need check-ups less frequently, while older adults or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits. Discuss your individual needs with Dr. Burns to determine the best schedule for your preventative care.

2836 Marine Dr
West Vancouver, BC, V7V 1L9

Phone: (604) 314-7840

Dr. Angela Dawn Burns is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Registration Number: 7034

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306749/Burns%2CAngela

Family doctors like Dr. Burns are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.