About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Elizabeth Anne Gibbings offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centred care. Her practice adheres to the standards and regulations set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring professional and ethical medical practice. Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice in internal medicine, focusing on complex adult health conditions and age-related syndromes.
Dr. Gibbings graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1978. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics, earning key certifications that qualify her to manage complex medical and geriatric syndromes. Her professional development continues through ongoing education and participation in relevant medical societies, maintaining her expertise and current knowledge in her specialty areas.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes clear, educational communication, aiming to empower patients and their families with understanding about health conditions and treatment options. Dr. Gibbings is dedicated to serving the Vancouver community with compassionate, evidence-based care. She speaks English fluently and values building trusting relationships with her patients to support their health and well-being.
Dr. Gibbings provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Dr. Gibbings 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Gibbings. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Gibbings'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. Gibbings's practice is located in the Renfrew-Collingwood East neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. The location is conveniently situated near the Vancouver Art Gallery and Robson Square, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. Patients can access the clinic via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as local bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express - Waterfront. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for patients attending appointments.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Gibbings? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Gibbings 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. Gibbings. 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.
- Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?
- As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced infections or thyroid disorders), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management. Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?
- An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems, handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- How does Dr. Gibbings communicate with my family doctor?
- Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Gibbings will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.
3185 Grandview Hwy, Pacific Medical
Vancouver, BC V5M 2E9
Phone: (604) 655-2373
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gibbings 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/353361/Gibbings%2CElizabeth