About
Dr. David Mark Goldfarb is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), he combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. He also specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.
Dr. Goldfarb graduated with an MD from Dalhousie University in 2003. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine (or Pediatrics, as applicable), and then pursued a fellowship in Infectious Diseases, further enhancing his expertise. He may also hold additional qualifications in Medical Microbiology. He is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases and microbiology. His certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education in his field.
His professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases through evidence-based medicine. Dr. Goldfarb is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and focusing on the care of vulnerable populations and managing complex infections. He values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure optimal patient and community health. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a compassionate approach tailored to each individual's needs.
Dr. David Goldfarb provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Goldfarb manages specialized care for individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for severe or unusual infections.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Prophylaxis and treatment of febrile neutropenia and specific infections common in cancer patients.
- Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Balancing infection treatment with maintaining graft function.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Care for complex infections during periods of profound neutropenia and immunosuppression following HSCT.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Goldfarb manages treatment typically involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, a cornerstone of infectious disease practice.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Prompt treatment is important to prevent spread.
- Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Requires rapid diagnosis and aggressive treatment with antibiotics and supportive care.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Managed in collaboration with orthopedic specialists.
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Goldfarb manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.
- Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Diagnosis via stool microscopy or antigen tests; treated with specific antiparasitic medications.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
- Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. David Goldfarb is necessary.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Consultation for prevention of device-related infections.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
- Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Support for public health and institutional outbreak investigations using microbiological data.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Expert advice on preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and community settings.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Goldfarb.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Goldfarb practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in Vancouver's Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood. The clinic is situated conveniently near Granville Island, making it accessible for patients from across Vancouver. Patients can reach the clinic via TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for specialized infectious disease management. Convenient parking options are usually available in proximity to the clinic, ensuring easy access for patients seeking expert infectious disease care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Goldfarb?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Goldfarb for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Goldfarb receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Goldfarb's clinic for referral instructions.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Goldfarb specialize in?
- Dr. Goldfarb is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. He provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Are services from Dr. Goldfarb covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Goldfarb is covered under Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes hospital consultations, outpatient clinic visits for ongoing management of complex infections, and interpretation of specialized diagnostic tests. Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Goldfarb, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Goldfarb's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Goldfarb?
- Dr. Goldfarb treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- Dr. Goldfarb, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Goldfarb may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
an infectious disease clinic in Vancouver
4480 Oak Street, Dept. of Pathology/Lab Med- Rm. 2G5, BC Childrens Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4
Office Phone: (604) 875-2345
Dr. Goldfarb is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Goldfarb, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Goldfarb's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/354193/Goldfarb%2CDavid