About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. David Alexander Spicer serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Vernon, BC, he provides compassionate and comprehensive care to adults and seniors in the surrounding communities. Dr. Spicer adheres to the highest standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that his practice reflects the rigorous professional and ethical guidelines set forth for medical practitioners in the province.
Dr. Spicer graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His educational background and continuous professional development enable him to offer expert diagnosis and management of complex health conditions affecting adults and older adults alike.
He adopts a warm and community-focused approach to medicine, emphasizing personalized care and building trusting relationships with his patients. Fluent in English, Dr. Spicer is committed to serving the Vernon community with kindness, respect, and a dedication to improving health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Spicer provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- 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.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
Dr. Spicer 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.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
- Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Spicer. 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. Spicer'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. Spicer's practice is located in Central Vernon, within the Downtown neighborhood. The office is conveniently situated near the Coldstream Area, accessible via the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, making it easy for patients to visit comfortably and conveniently.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Spicer? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Spicer 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. Spicer. 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.
- What are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Spicer's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Spicer are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- Please bring:
- Your provincial health card (Medical Services Plan (MSP) card).
- The referral letter if you have it.
- A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
- A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
- Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
- A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Spicer.
303-3210 25 Ave, Sterling Centre
Vernon, BC V1T 1P1
Phone: (250) 503-0818 | Fax: (250) 545-6448
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Spicer 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/338613/Spicer%2CDavid