About
Dr. David Mitchell Forrest is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in Nanaimo, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice is characterized by adherence to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an Infectious Disease Specialist, he focuses on 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. Forrest graduated with his MD from the University of Alberta in 1985. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. He is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring his expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
His professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. Dr. Forrest is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. He promotes antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance and emphasizes the importance of managing complex infections in vulnerable populations. His approach involves collaborative care with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive patient and community health. All communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on compassion and patient-centered service.
Dr. David Forrest provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Forrest manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections in any part of the urinary system, often causing painful urination, frequency, and urgency.
- Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Life-threatening conditions caused by the body's overwhelming response to an infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Forrest manages complex or severe viral illnesses.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, monitoring for opportunistic infections, and addressing long-term health.
- COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Management of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in complex or high-risk cases.
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Expertise in emerging respiratory virus threats.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Forrest manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
- Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Includes screening for latent TB and hepatitis B before starting therapy.
- Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Management of infections that occur post-transplantation due to immunosuppressive therapy.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. David Forrest is necessary.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Post-travel screening for individuals with relevant exposures or symptoms.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Specialized care for patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions like organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, or immunodeficiency disorders.
- Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Includes skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Development and implementation of antimicrobial guidelines and protocols.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Forrest.
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 associations such as AMMI Canada and PHAC. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Forrest primarily practices within Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, which offers comprehensive infectious disease services. The hospital is situated in Nanaimo's Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, close to the Nanaimo Museum. Easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), the hospital provides a professional and discreet environment for specialized infectious disease care. The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, ensuring patients receive expert management in a comfortable setting. Convenient parking options are usually available in proximity to the hospital and the infectious disease service area.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Forrest specialize in?
- Dr. Forrest 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. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What is Dr. Forrest's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Dr. Forrest contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.
- Are services from Dr. Forrest covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Forrest 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. Forrest, 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. Forrest's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Forrest?
- As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Forrest manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Forrest?
- A consultation with Dr. Forrest is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Forrest?
- 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. Forrest for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Forrest receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 740-6949.
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin Cres Rm B-028-A, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7
Office Phone: (250) 755-6233 | Office Fax: (250) 740-6949 | Practice Website: http://www.viha.ca/locations/nrgh.htm
Dr. Forrest is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist 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. Forrest, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Forrest's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305254/Forrest%2CDavid