About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Eric Donald Rajan Pond offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Vernon, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. He adheres to the high standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality care for his patients.
Dr. Pond graduated with his MD from Dalhousie University in 2016, gaining comprehensive medical training in Canada. He has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics, equipping him with the expertise to address complex adult and senior health concerns.
His clinical philosophy centers on providing compassionate, personalized care tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Pond is committed to fostering a warm, respectful environment that emphasizes community engagement and patient well-being. He speaks English fluently, ensuring clear communication and understanding for his patients and their families.
Dr. Pond provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Dr. Pond 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.
- 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.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Pond. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Pond'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).
Located in the heart of Central Vernon, in the Downtown neighborhood of Vernon, Dr. Pond’s practice is conveniently situated near Paddlewheel Park and offers access to Okanagan Lake. Patients can easily reach the clinic via the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring a smooth visit for all patients.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Pond? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Pond 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. Pond. 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.
- What typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Pond will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Pond's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?
- A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Pond uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- 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.
3210 25th Ave, 403b, Sterling Centre
Vernon, BC V1T 1P1
Phone: (250) 542-8393 | Fax: (250) 275-6069
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Pond 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/374026/Pond%2CEric