Dr. Elizabeth Charis Taylor Parfitt – Infectious Disease Specialist | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Elizabeth Charis Taylor Parfitt is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Kamloops in Kamloops, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As an Infectious Disease Specialist, she 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.

She graduated with her MD from the University of British Columbia in 2008. Following medical school, she completed residency training, typically in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics, and subsequently pursued a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Dr. Parfitt is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with the highest professional standards.

Dr. Parfitt's professional philosophy is centered on providing accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. Her commitment to promoting antimicrobial stewardship aims to combat antibiotic resistance. She has a particular focus on managing infections in vulnerable populations and complex cases. Collaborating closely with primary care physicians, public health, and other specialists, she strives for optimal patient outcomes and community health. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a focus on compassionate, comprehensive, and personalized service.

Dr. Elizabeth Parfitt provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Parfitt manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.

• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): May require oral or intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage for abscesses.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Requires rapid diagnosis and aggressive treatment with antibiotics and supportive care.
• Pneumonia (Bacterial): Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Parfitt manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.

• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Serious fungal infections that can affect internal organs, often occurring in immunocompromised individuals.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Fungal infections caused by organisms found in specific geographic regions, which can cause lung infections or disseminate throughout the body.
• Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Symptoms often include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Parfitt manages complex or severe viral illnesses.

• Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Guidance on antiviral treatment and prevention (vaccination).
• COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Management of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in complex or high-risk cases.
• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Counseling on transmission and recurrence.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Parfitt is necessary.

• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
• Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Treatment for a wide range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Diagnosis of latent TB infection and active TB disease.
• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Parfitt.

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. Parfitt practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment tailored for specialized infectious disease management. Patients can typically find parking options in proximity to the clinic. The location provides easy access for residents of Kamloops seeking expert infectious disease care in a comfortable setting.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Parfitt?

A consultation with Dr. Parfitt 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 her expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Parfitt?

For most consultations with Dr. Parfitt that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Parfitt's clinic for referral instructions.

What is Dr. Parfitt's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Parfitt play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Parfitt may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Parfitt?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Parfitt 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. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Are services from Dr. Parfitt covered by provincial health insurance?

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Parfitt under Medical Services Plan (MSP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Parfitt specialize in?

Dr. Parfitt is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. She provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. She is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

an infectious disease clinic in Kamloops
311 Columbia St, Royal Inland Hospital
Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1

Office Phone: (250) 374-5111

Dr. Parfitt 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. Parfitt, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Parfitt's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331028/Parfitt%2CElizabeth