Dr. Brian David Westerberg – Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Brian David Westerberg is a highly skilled Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor (commonly known as an ENT Doctor) dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. Practicing at St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver, BC, he serves the local community with a patient-focused and compassionate approach. Dr. Westerberg adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His role encompasses providing comprehensive care in general Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, ensuring that both adults and children receive expert evaluation and treatment for their ENT conditions.

He graduated with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from Queen's University in 1989 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Westerberg holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Westerberg's clinical philosophy emphasizes patient education, evidence-based care, and a collaborative approach to treatment. He is committed to providing high-quality ENT care in Vancouver, fostering a supportive environment for his patients. He communicates fluently in English and prioritizes clear, compassionate communication to ensure patients feel informed and cared for throughout their healthcare journey.

Dr. Brian Westerberg manages a variety of conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Some common areas of treatment include:

Common Throat, Voice, and Swallowing Conditions

• Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR / Silent Reflux): A condition where stomach acid flows back up into the larynx and pharynx, causing symptoms like hoarseness, chronic cough, or throat clearing.
• Strep Throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis): A throat infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria, characterized by sudden sore throat, pain with swallowing, and fever.

This list is not exhaustive and provides examples of common conditions. If you have specific concerns regarding your ear, nose, throat, or head/neck health, please consult with Dr. Brian Westerberg or your primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate referral.

• Flexible & Rigid Nasal Endoscopy / Sinuscopy: Diagnostic procedure using a thin, flexible or rigid camera with light to examine the nasal passages, sinuses, and nasopharynx.
• Flexible & Rigid Laryngoscopy / Stroboscopy: Examination of the larynx (voice box) and vocal cords using specialized endoscopic techniques to assess voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Stroboscopy provides slow-motion view of vocal cord vibration.
• Diagnostic Audiometry & Tympanometry: Complete hearing tests to assess hearing levels, middle ear function, and identify types of hearing loss in adults and children.
• Interpretation of CT & MRI Scans of Head, Neck, Sinuses & Temporal Bones: Expert review of advanced imaging studies to diagnose complex ENT conditions.
• Comprehensive ENT Consultation & Examination: Thorough evaluation of ear, nose, throat, head, and neck conditions, including detailed history taking, physical examination, and formulation of a treatment plan.

Note: This list may provide an overview of common otolaryngology services. Dr. Westerberg offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment options for conditions of the ear, nose, throat, and head/neck. Specific services may vary based on individual patient needs and Dr. Westerberg's areas of focus.

All medical and surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). A referral may be required.

Dr. Westerberg primarily practices at St. Paul's Hospital, located in the vibrant Yaletown district of Vancouver, BC, near Queen Elizabeth Park. The hospital is easily accessible via TransLink, with options including SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services arriving at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the hospital, with convenient options for patients visiting for consultations or procedures.

Are services from Dr. Westerberg, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests, and surgical procedures performed by a licensed Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Westerberg are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when you have a valid referral from your family doctor or another referring physician. Some elective or cosmetic procedures may not be covered. It's always recommended to confirm specific coverage details with Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the clinic if you have questions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see Dr. Westerberg, an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon?

Yes, for services to be covered by your provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)), a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon like Dr. Westerberg. This ensures coordinated care. Some clinics may offer non-insured consultations without a referral, but this is not standard for provincially covered services. Please check with the clinic or your referring doctor.

I've been experiencing dizziness. How will an ENT specialist evaluate this?

Evaluation for dizziness is comprehensive as there are many potential causes. Dr. Westerberg will take a detailed history of your symptoms (type of dizziness, duration, triggers), review your medical history and medications, and perform a physical examination, including specific tests for balance and inner ear function (like Dix-Hallpike maneuver for BPPV). Depending on the findings, further tests such as a hearing test (audiogram), videonystagmography (VNG) to assess inner ear and central motor functions, or imaging studies (MRI) might be ordered to determine the cause and guide treatment.

My child gets frequent tonsillitis. What are the treatment options?

Recurrent tonsillitis can be managed in several ways. For acute bacterial infections, antibiotics are often prescribed. If infections are very frequent (e.g., multiple episodes per year), severe, cause breathing problems or difficulty swallowing, or don't respond well to antibiotics, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended by an ENT specialist. Dr. Westerberg can assess your child's specific situation, including the frequency and severity of episodes, and discuss the best course of action.

What are some common procedures an ENT doctor might perform?

ENT doctors perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common examples include hearing tests (audiometry), nasal or laryngeal endoscopy (using a small camera to view inside the nose or throat), tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (removal of tonsils and adenoids), myringotomy (ear tube insertion), septoplasty (correction of a deviated nasal septum), sinus surgery, and biopsies or removal of head and neck lesions. Dr. Westerberg can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition.

Why are ear tubes recommended for some children with recurrent ear infections?

Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are often recommended for children who experience frequent middle ear infections (recurrent acute otitis media) or persistent fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) that doesn't clear on its own. These tiny tubes are inserted into the eardrum to help ventilate the middle ear space, prevent fluid buildup, reduce the frequency of infections, and can improve hearing if it was affected by the fluid. Dr. Westerberg can assess if ear tubes are appropriate for your child.

St. Paul's Hospital
1081 Burrard St, St Paul's Hospital, B.C. Rotary Hearing and Balance Centre - Providence 2
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 806-8540 | Fax: (604) 806-8777

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Westerberg is a licensed physician and surgeon, regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to schedule an appointment for provincially insured services.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/307559/Westerberg%2CBrian