Dr. Aurelius Rafael Sumalinog – Internist / Geriatrician | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Aurelius Rafael Sumalinog is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves the surrounding communities. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and up-to-date medical care. Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include Specialty practice - internal medicine.

Dr. Sumalinog graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Toronto in 2018. He has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics, equipping him with the expertise necessary to manage complex adult health issues and age-related conditions. His training emphasizes evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.

His clinical philosophy is rooted in clear and educational communication, ensuring that patients and families understand their health conditions and treatment options. Dr. Sumalinog is committed to serving the Vancouver community and speaks English, Cebuano, and Tagalog (Pilipino, Filipino). He strives to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and accessible healthcare to his diverse patient population.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• 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.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

Dr. Sumalinog 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• 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.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sumalinog. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Sumalinog'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. Sumalinog's practice is located in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, BC, conveniently situated near Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). The location is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sumalinog 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. Sumalinog. 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.

How does Dr. Aurelius Rafael Sumalinog communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Sumalinog will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

PO BOX 38092, Vancouver RPO King Edward Mall
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4L9

Phone: (604) 283-4847 | Fax: (778) 340-0811

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sumalinog 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/363774/Sumalinog%2CAurelius%20Rafael