Dr. Annette Lydia McCall

Dr. Annette Lydia McCall 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

• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Diagnosing and managing common viral skin infections. This includes common/plantar warts and molluscum contagiosum (observation, cryotherapy, topical agents like salicylic acid or cantharidin). For Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV - cold sores/fever blisters, genital herpes): antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) for acute outbreaks or suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences, plus counseling on transmission. For Herpes Zoster (Shingles): prompt antiviral therapy to reduce severity/duration and risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), along with pain management. Shingles vaccination advice for eligible adults.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Diagnosis (clinical, skin scraping/KOH preparation, fungal culture if needed) and treatment of common superficial fungal infections including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm - requires oral therapy), tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor), cutaneous candidiasis (e.g., intertrigo, diaper rash), and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). Treatment involves topical antifungal creams/lotions/shampoos (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole) or oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole) for more extensive, resistant, or nail/hair infections.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Educating patients on sun safety measures (sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours), the importance of regular skin self-examination using the ABCDEs of melanoma, and encouraging prompt reporting of any changing or new skin lesions.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, red, inflamed, and dry skin, maintain healthy skin barrier function, and reduce the impact of these chronic conditions on daily life.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Educating patients and families on routine infection prevention and control measures (e.g., hand hygiene, cough etiquette, staying home when sick). Providing guidance during community outbreaks of infectious diseases (e.g., influenza, measles, pertussis, COVID-19), including advice on testing, isolation/quarantine, and public health recommendations.
• 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.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing effective treatment for acutely painful crystal-induced arthritis, focusing on rapid symptom relief during flares, and implementing robust long-term preventative measures for chronic gout to improve joint health and overall well-being.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels to significantly reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and pancreatitis.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Comprehensive, ongoing management of high blood pressure through regular monitoring (in-clinic and home BP), medication initiation and titration according to guidelines, extensive lifestyle counseling (DASH diet, low sodium, exercise, weight management, stress reduction), and screening/management of associated risk factors (e.g., dyslipidemia, diabetes) to prevent long-term cardiovascular complications.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Managing chronic pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in various joints (knees, hips, hands, spine), persistent mechanical low back or neck pain, and conditions like fibromyalgia. This involves a multimodal approach including education, exercise recommendations (strength, flexibility, low-impact aerobics), weight management, pain relief medications (topical, oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, judicious use of other analgesics like gabapentinoids or TCAs for neuropathic/fibromyalgia components), joint injection considerations, and referrals to physiotherapy, rheumatology or pain clinics if needed.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Helping children and their families manage long-term health conditions effectively, enabling active participation in all aspects of childhood including school, sports, and play, while minimizing symptoms and exacerbations.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Comprehensive medical care for newborns immediately after birth and through the first year of life. Includes routine physical exams, growth monitoring, screening for jaundice and congenital conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart murmurs), umbilical cord care, and vitamin K/eye prophylaxis discussions (hospital-based). Strong focus on infant feeding support, including guidance and troubleshooting for breastfeeding (latch, positioning, supply concerns, mastitis management) and appropriate formula feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly medical care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery, appropriate antibiotic stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antibiotics for viral illnesses), and prevent complications.

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

• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial infections like tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot), candidiasis, warts (cryotherapy, topical agents), molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster (shingles), impetigo, and folliculitis, using appropriate topical or oral antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial medications.
• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Ensuring seamless access to specialized medical care through efficient and well-documented referrals, acting as your central coordinator and advocate within the healthcare system.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: Primary care role in early recognition of eating disorders and ensuring patients access comprehensive treatment pathways.
• Coordination with Allied Health Professionals & Community Health Services: Facilitating access to a broad network of allied health and community services to support your overall health plan, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term management needs.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Conducting medical examinations and completing forms required for driver's licenses (commercial, age-related), insurance purposes, employment, school, disability applications, or travel (fees typically apply for non-insured services).

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

• For those challenged by getting a comprehensive skin check for new or changing spots, especially with a history of significant sun exposure or family history of skin cancer, Dr. McCall offers strategies to reach having their specific concerns about a child's unique developmental trajectory, learning style, or challenging behavior addressed by Dr. McCall with appropriate, validated screening tools, initial guidance, and highly effective, timely referrals to specialists or community programs when indicated, which can mean rediscovering the joy of significantly reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of sick days from common illnesses for themselves and their children, leading to better attendance at work/school, improved overall productivity, and less household disruption.
• Patients experiencing ongoing digestive issues like persistent heartburn after meals, uncomfortable bloating, or frequent stomach upset often seek Dr. McCall's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is their child's academic performance or social engagement noticeably improving after Dr. McCall played a key role in identifying and initiating management for underlying health conditions, attention issues, or learning differences, supporting their return to activities like feeling consistently rested, fully alert, and cognitively sharp enough to drive safely and defensively for both short daily commutes and much longer, more demanding road trips or family vacations.
• If a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving has put regularly engaging in deeply personal spiritual practices, reflective mindfulness exercises, or formal meditation sessions that significantly contribute to their inner peace, emotional balance, stress reduction, and overall holistic well-being on hold, Dr. McCall works with patients toward receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. McCall when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, helping them regain their previous level of function.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. McCall, 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. McCall's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Gibsons, situated in the central Gibsons neighborhood of Gibsons. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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

Finding a family doctor in BC who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website that you can check. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. Provincial programs may exist to assist with finding a family doctor, but their availability varies depending on your region. It may take time to find a suitable physician.

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 difficult. Provincial resources, such as HealthLink BC or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may offer assistance. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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

A family doctor (British Columbia) 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 do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. McCall?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. McCall's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. McCall. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. McCall, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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, travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and may have associated fees. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. McCall?

With Dr. McCall, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations, screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. McCall works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

211-1100 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Gibsons Medical Clinic
Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V7

Phone: (604) 886-2868

Dr. Annette Lydia McCall 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: 8119

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306229/McCall%2CAnnette

Family doctors like Dr. McCall 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.