Dr. Anna Lizelle Wolak

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

Common Acute Conditions

• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Helping you cope with acute digestive illnesses by providing guidance on oral rehydration solutions, appropriate diet modification during and after illness, and when to seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Addressing common symptoms of UTIs and providing effective, evidence-based treatment to eradicate the infection and restore urinary health.

Preventative Health Topics

• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being rather than solely on rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Guidance on maintaining health in the context of specific work environments and job demands, and initial evaluation for common work-related health issues.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common and some less common international destinations. This includes a detailed risk assessment based on itinerary (country, region, urban/rural, length of stay, type of travel); advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (e.g., for malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya), altitude sickness prevention, and management of common travel-related ailments (e.g., traveler's diarrhea). Also includes administration of necessary routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Flu) and specific travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if a designated center, Rabies pre-exposure, Japanese Encephalitis considerations). Malaria chemoprophylaxis prescription if indicated. Complex itineraries or immunocompromised travelers may require referral to a specialized travel clinic.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Assessing patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of Restless Legs Syndrome (an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, typically worse at rest/in the evening, and relieved by movement). This includes ruling out secondary causes (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney failure, pregnancy, certain medications).
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Management includes lifestyle advice (fluid management, avoiding bladder irritants), behavioral therapies (timed voiding), and prescription of medications such as alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin, alfuzosin) to relax prostate/bladder neck muscles, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride) to shrink prostate volume. Monitoring for symptom improvement and medication side effects.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.

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

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Monitoring kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), managing risk factors (especially diabetes and hypertension that can worsen CKD), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, and coordinating care for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Management of Common Chronic Pediatric Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Eczema, Allergies): Specialized primary care for childhood chronic diseases to ensure optimal health, growth, and development with coordination with pediatric specialists when necessary.
• 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.
• Cardiovascular Disease Management (Stable CAD, Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation): Primary care support for patients with established heart conditions, ensuring regular follow-up, adherence to complex treatment plans, and promotion of heart-healthy lifestyles.
• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Providing evidence-based resources, behavioral strategies, and relapse prevention planning to overcome nicotine addiction and achieve long-term cessation.

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

• Dr. Wolak often sees patients whose their child having difficulty with toilet training or experiencing bedwetting beyond a certain age limits their enjoyment of comfortably and confidently navigating crowded, stimulating public spaces like busy shopping malls, bustling farmers' markets, large airports, or public transit hubs without feeling overwhelmed, excessively stressed, or physically unsafe. The goal of care is to achieve learning to expertly self-manage key aspects of their chronic condition much more effectively (e.g., adjusting insulin based on readings, using an asthma action plan correctly, recognizing early warning signs of a COPD exacerbation), significantly increasing their sense of personal independence, confidence, and empowerment over their health and restore their active lifestyle.
• Dr. Wolak assists individuals in navigating feeling unusually tired and completely run down for weeks, not just a day or two of fatigue. A successful outcome, like feeling deeply understood, consistently validated, and never dismissed by Dr. Wolak when discussing sensitive, personal, or emotionally difficult health topics or life circumstances, means they can get back to regularly going for long, challenging, and invigorating hikes in scenic natural environments, cycling picturesque country routes for hours, or swimming multiple laps at the local community pool for both physical fitness and mental relaxation.
• Patients often come to Dr. Wolak regarding a persistent feeling of bloating, abdominal discomfort, or noticeable changes in their bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea). Working together, they aim for managing bothersome and often disruptive menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes) effectively with Dr. Wolak's expert guidance and tailored treatment options, leading to improved well-being, better sleep, and a smoother, more comfortable life transition, making a return to faithfully taking their cherished dog (or other pets) for long, brisk, enjoyable walks in the neighborhood park, through local trails, or along the beach every single day, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions, for mutual benefit feasible.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Wolak, 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. Wolak's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Vancouver, situated in the Sunset North, Main Street South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near 'The Drive' Neighbourhood and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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 the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may offer assistance in finding a doctor. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

A family doctor (BC) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

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

To find a family doctor in BC accepting new patients, check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia; they often have a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

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 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 potential fees.

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

If Dr. Wolak determines you need to see a specialist, she will explain why and arrange the referral, sending your medical information to the specialist. The specialist's office will then contact you to schedule an appointment. Keep Dr. Wolak informed of any specialist appointments and new diagnoses or treatments.

PO Box 75051, RPO Main Street S
Vancouver, BC, V5X 4V7

Phone: (604) 757-8387

Dr. Anna Lizelle Wolak 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: 29957

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333009/Wolak%2CAnna

Family doctors like Dr. Wolak 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.