About
Dr. Derek Peter Ottem is a dedicated Urologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract in men and women, and the male reproductive system. Practicing at Ottem Derek Dr in Kamloops, BC, he is an integral part of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive urological care for a wide range of issues, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, bladder problems, and male reproductive health concerns. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in all patient interactions. The clinic is equipped with modern facilities to deliver thorough and compassionate urological services to adult patients of all genders.
Dr. Ottem graduated with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in Canada and has obtained specialty certification as a Urologist through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and certification reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of urological expertise and clinical excellence.
His clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, utilizing evidence-based practices, advanced minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, and providing comprehensive patient education. Dr. Ottem is dedicated to serving the community of Kamloops with a focus on personalized, empathetic care that addresses each patient's unique urological needs. He communicates fluently in English and strives to ensure every patient feels informed and supported throughout their treatment journey.
Dr. Derek Ottem addresses a wide range of urological conditions, including:
Urologic Cancers
- Ureteral & Renal Pelvis Cancer: Cancers that form in the urothelial cells lining the ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to bladder) or renal pelvis (funnel-like part of kidney).
- Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): Cancer that originates in the kidneys, with renal cell carcinoma being the most common type in adults.
- Prostate Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid.
Female Pelvic Health & Urinary Conditions
- Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity like coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercise.
- Urge Urinary Incontinence / Overactive Bladder: Sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Cystocele - Bladder Prolapse): When the bladder drops (prolapses) from its normal position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina.
General Urologic Symptoms & Disorders
- Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Presence of red blood cells in the urine, requiring investigation to determine the cause (e.g., infection, stones, tumors).
- Painful Urination (Dysuria): Discomfort or burning sensation during urination, often a symptom of infection or inflammation.
- Urinary Frequency, Urgency & Nocturia: Symptoms of needing to urinate often, suddenly, or frequently during the night, which can indicate various underlying conditions.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific urological concerns, please consult with Dr. Derek Ottem.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) / Enlarged Prostate Management: Medical and surgical treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by non-cancerous prostate enlargement (e.g., TURP, UroLift, Rezum, medication).
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive procedure using shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller, passable fragments.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Urological Conditions: Providing expert second opinions on complex urological diagnoses and treatment plans to ensure informed patient decisions.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Diagnosis & Treatment: Comprehensive evaluation and management of ED, including oral medications, injection therapy, vacuum devices, and penile prosthesis surgery.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Surgical procedure to remove large or complex kidney stones directly from the kidney through a small incision in the back.
- Bladder Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment: Including transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), intravesical therapy (BCG, chemotherapy), and radical cystectomy.
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Urological Aspects & Surgical Repair (e.g., Cystocele Repair): Evaluation and surgical management of bladder prolapse and other urological components of POP, often in collaboration with urogynecologists.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment plans are individualized. Discuss with Dr. Ottem for care relevant to your needs.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant urological care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Ottem Derek Dr is situated in the vibrant Downtown Kamloops area, specifically in the South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via Kamloops Airport (YKA) with convenient transportation options. Patients can reach the practice using the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit), which offers regular public transit services. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car. The clinic’s central location and accessible amenities make it straightforward for patients to receive comprehensive urological care in a welcoming environment.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Ottem, a Urologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Urologist like Dr. Ottem, as well as most diagnostic tests (e.g., cystoscopy, urodynamics) and provincially insured surgical procedures, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer technologies, medications, or elective procedures (like cosmetic urology or certain non-insured infertility treatments) may not be covered or may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Dr. Ottem's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ottem, a Urologist?
- Yes, for most urological consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans in BC, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is typically required to see a Urologist like Dr. Ottem. This ensures your care is coordinated and appropriate. Some specific services, like vasectomy in certain private clinic settings, might occasionally be accessed directly, but for general urological assessment or provincially insured care, a referral is the standard pathway.
- What does a Urologist like Dr. Ottem specialize in?
- A Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the urinary tract in both males and females, as well as conditions of the male reproductive system. This includes organs like the kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra, and the male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis). He is a Urologist specializing in conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Dr. Ottem provides comprehensive care for a wide range of these conditions.
- What are kidney stones and how does Dr. Ottem treat them?
- Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when they pass through your urinary tract. Treatment depends on the stone's size, type, and location. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain medication. Larger stones or those causing significant symptoms might require procedures like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break them up, ureteroscopy with laser to remove or break them, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for very large stones. Dr. Ottem will also work with you on strategies to prevent future stones.
- What are some common tests a Urologist might perform or order?
- Depending on your symptoms and condition, Dr. Ottem may perform or order several tests. These can include urinalysis (urine test), urine culture, blood tests (like PSA for prostate health), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI of the kidneys, bladder, or prostate), urodynamic studies (to assess bladder function), and cystoscopy (a scope to look inside the bladder and urethra). He will explain why any specific test is needed and what it involves.
- What is a PSA test and who should have it?
- The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The decision to have a PSA test is best made in consultation with your doctor, like Dr. Ottem, after discussing the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of screening. Factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and ethnicity are often considered. It's not a perfect test, as elevated PSA can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like BPH or prostatitis.
Ottem Derek Dr
410-175 Second Ave
Kamloops, BC V2C 5W1
Phone: (250) 851-4475 | Fax: (250) 851-4473
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ottem is a licensed Urologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Ottem for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327315/Ottem%2CDerek