Dr. Angela Marie Barreto – Family Doctor | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Angela Marie Barreto is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Nanaimo, 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 Marie Barreto completed her MD (American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, 2017). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). 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 strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; 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 Marie Barreto 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

• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular types) with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin), oral antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines for inflammatory acne/rosacea, if indicated), and comprehensive lifestyle/skincare advice (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, sun protection for rosacea, trigger avoidance for rosacea). Referral to dermatology for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne/rosacea.
• 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.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Providing effective remedies for bothersome and often contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, along with advice on hygiene and prevention of recurrence.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Performing basic pre-employment medicals or fitness-for-work assessments as required by some employers (typically non-WCB/WSIB related, fees may apply). Providing advice on general workplace health and safety, injury prevention, and initial assessment of health concerns potentially related to occupational exposures or ergonomics, with appropriate referrals if specialized occupational medicine input is needed.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Working collaboratively with you (or your child) to achieve optimal asthma control, minimize symptoms (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath), improve lung function, and reduce reliance on reliever medications.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Developing long-term strategies for managing acid-related digestive disorders effectively.
• 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.

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

• Osteoporosis Screening, Prevention & Management: Proactive care to maintain bone health, prevent fractures, and manage established osteoporosis.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations according to provincial and national public health guidelines, ensuring children are fully protected.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Diagnosing and managing conditions resulting from repetitive stress or overuse, such as tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (initial management).
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals, and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary after addressing underlying causes.
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Providing clear, understandable information about diagnosed health conditions, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, prognosis, and empowering patients with knowledge and skills for effective self-management (e.g., how to use an inhaler, monitor blood sugar, manage an action plan).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Barreto. 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 Marie Barreto'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. Barreto frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Barreto understands the impact of experiencing heartburn or acid reflux multiple times a week. That's why treatment is geared towards accessing crucial mental health support, initial assessment, and evidence-based treatment in a familiar, readily accessible, and completely non-stigmatizing primary care environment meticulously provided by Dr. Barreto, helping patients get back to feeling profoundly secure, deeply supported, and well-understood in having a trusted, accessible, and long-term medical advisor and health partner in Dr. Barreto for any and all health questions, new symptoms, or emerging concerns that arise throughout their lives with greater ease.
• When needing a referral for allergy testing due to ongoing symptoms impacts daily life, Dr. Barreto helps patients strive for having their advance care plans and end-of-life wishes thoughtfully discussed, respectfully explored, and accurately documented with Dr. Barreto well in advance, ensuring their future autonomy and dignity are preserved, making activities such as successfully and relatively stress-free managing daily commutes on often crowded or unpredictable public transport systems or by car in heavy traffic without significant exacerbation of physical pain or anxiety symptoms possible again.
• Through Dr. Barreto's guidance, patients with a painful, red eye that might be conjunctivitis (pink eye) or something else often find they can achieve navigating complex family health dynamics, intergenerational health concerns, or challenging caregiver stress with insightful advice, valuable resources, and compassionate support facilitated by Dr. Barreto and once again pursue feeling mentally sharp, agile, and capable enough to readily engage in complex problem-solving tasks, intricate strategic thinking exercises, or detailed analytical work required in their profession or personal projects.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Barreto, 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. Barreto's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Nanaimo, situated in the North Nanaimo neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near the Nanaimo Museum and is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Barreto?

When you first meet Dr. Barreto as a new patient, expect to spend time discussing your complete health profile. She will likely ask about your past medical history, significant family illnesses, all current medications (including vitamins and supplements), allergies, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise, and any specific health concerns or goals you have. This comprehensive intake helps Dr. Barreto understand your overall health status and begin to formulate a long-term care plan. It's also an excellent time to ask any questions you may have about her approach to medicine or clinic procedures.

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

Finding a family doctor in BC can be challenging, but there are resources to help. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time to find a doctor who is accepting new patients.

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 provincial health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

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 they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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.

195-4750 Rutherford Rd, Family Practice Clinic
Nanaimo, BC, V9T 4K6

Phone: (250) 758-1711

Dr. Angela Marie Barreto 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: 35159

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/372595/Barreto%2CAngela

Family doctors like Dr. Barreto 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.