Dr. Donna Lynn McLachlan

Dr. Donna Lynn McLachlan provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Acute Conditions

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): Initial assessment, diagnosis, and management of common minor acute injuries like ankle sprains, muscle strains (e.g., hamstring, calf), ligament tears (low grade), and acute episodes of uncomplicated low back or neck pain.

Preventative Health Topics

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains of life for a better quality of life, increased resilience, and proactive disease prevention through shared goal setting and ongoing support.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Conducting routine medical examinations as required by provincial transportation authorities for driver's license issuance or renewal, particularly for commercial drivers (truck, bus, taxi) or as mandated by age (e.g., for seniors at specific intervals). Assessing medical fitness to drive based on established national and provincial medical standards, including vision, hearing, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, neurological status, and medication review.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Guidance on maintaining health in the context of specific work environments and job demands, and initial evaluation for common work-related health issues.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: A first point of contact for work-related or activity-induced repetitive strain injuries, guiding effective conservative management, facilitating return to function, and providing documentation for workplace accommodations if necessary. Referral to specialists (e.g., sports medicine, orthopedics, physiatry) if symptoms are persistent, severe, or require further investigation/intervention.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. McLachlan. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Comprehensive, age-appropriate check-ups for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on monitoring physical growth, developmental milestones (gross motor, fine motor, language, social-emotional), nutrition, vision/hearing screening, and providing anticipatory guidance to parents/caregivers on safety, behavior, and healthy habits.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Performing initial screening and assessment for parental or school concerns regarding developmental delays (speech, motor, cognitive), behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, sleep problems, anxiety), ADHD symptoms, or learning difficulties. Includes providing initial guidance and coordinating timely referrals to pediatric specialists if further evaluation or intervention is needed.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Providing ongoing care and management for a variety of other long-term health issues such as chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic anemia, and more, focusing on symptom control and quality of life.
• Eating Disorder Screening & Referral Coordination: A sensitive and proactive approach to identifying potential eating disorders and connecting individuals with appropriate, specialized care.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Helping you identify factors contributing to poor sleep and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime functioning.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. McLachlan. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in BC and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Vancouver General Hospital, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. McLachlan frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• When needing a tetanus booster after stepping on something rusty impacts daily life, Dr. McLachlan helps patients strive for accessing crucial mental health support, initial assessment, and evidence-based treatment in a familiar, readily accessible, and completely non-stigmatizing primary care environment meticulously provided by Dr. McLachlan, making activities such as enjoying daily life with consistent, vibrant energy, genuine vitality, and a deeply positive outlook on most days possible again.
• For patients where experiencing sudden hearing loss or ringing in their ears (tinnitus) is a concern, Dr. McLachlan focuses on plans that lead to managing bothersome and often disruptive menopausal or perimenopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, sleep issues, or mood changes) effectively with Dr. McLachlan's expert guidance and tailored treatment options, leading to improved well-being, better sleep, and a smoother, more comfortable life transition, supporting their ability to patiently, effectively, and enjoyably helping their school-aged children or young grandchildren with challenging homework assignments, creative school projects, or extracurricular learning activities that require sustained patience, focus, and clear communication.
• Managing feeling unusually tired and completely run down for weeks, not just a day or two of fatigue effectively is a priority for Dr. McLachlan. The aim is markedly avoiding unnecessary, costly, or potentially risky specialist visits, diagnostic tests, or hospitalizations due to the proactive, thorough, and guideline-concordant primary care provided by Dr. McLachlan, which helps patients get back to enjoying possessing the physical stamina and mental resilience to complete a full, demanding day of sightseeing, museum visits, or participation in workshops and conferences while on vacation or during business travel.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. McLachlan, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. McLachlan practices at Vancouver General Hospital, located in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Kitsilano Beach and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. Some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Vancouver General Hospital if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. McLachlan?

To each appointment with Dr. McLachlan at Vancouver General Hospital, please ensure you have your provincial health card. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. McLachlan beforehand so you don't forget anything important during your visit.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. McLachlan?

For most refills, contact your pharmacy at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can fax a refill request to Dr. McLachlan's office. Allow at least 2-3 business days for processing. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics) or if it has been a while since your last visit, an appointment will be required. It is always best to request refills proactively.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC who is accepting new patients?

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website. They often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. Finding a doctor may take time.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor, or general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families of all ages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, providing mental health support, and coordinating care with specialists. Building long-term relationships with patients is a key aspect of their role.

Vancouver General Hospital
2480 Heather St, City View Family Practice
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 3H9

Phone: (604) 879-3900 | Website: http://www.vch.ca/

Dr. Donna Lynn McLachlan is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Registration Number: 24860

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312870/McLachlan%2CDonna

Family doctors like Dr. McLachlan are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.