Dr. Erin Dana Drever – Endocrinologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Erin Dana Drever, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With conditions related to Diabetes & Metabolism, she practices primarily at an endocrinology clinic within a hospital department in Kelowna, BC. She is a valued member of the local medical community, dedicated to delivering comprehensive hormonal and metabolic health care. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based treatment for her patients.

Dr. Drever graduated with her MD from the University of Western Ontario (Canada) and holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive training and certification reflect her commitment to excellence in hormone and metabolism care, enabling her to address a broad spectrum of endocrine disorders with expertise and precision.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based, patient-centered care. Dr. Drever is dedicated to early and accurate diagnosis, patient education on managing chronic conditions, and developing personalized treatment plans focused on long-term well-being. She provides compassionate support to her patients in Kelowna, communicating fluently in English and ensuring they understand their health conditions and treatment options.

Dr. Erin Drever diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Monogenic Forms of Diabetes (e.g., MODY, Neonatal Diabetes): Rare types of diabetes caused by mutations in a single gene, differing from the more common Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in presentation and management.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar - various causes): Abnormally low blood glucose levels, which can occur as a side effect of diabetes treatment (insulin or certain oral medications), or due to other underlying conditions like insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency.
• Diabetes Complications (Neuropathy, Nephropathy, Retinopathy - endocrine management aspects): Management focused on glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control to prevent or slow the progression of nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye damage associated with diabetes.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass): A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal peak density but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It indicates an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.
• Paget's Disease of Bone: A chronic skeletal disorder that disrupts the normal bone remodeling process, resulting in bones that are enlarged, misshapen, and structurally unsound, leading to pain, deformities, and fractures.

Thyroid & Parathyroid Gland Disorders

• Thyroid Cancer (Differentiated - Papillary, Follicular; Medullary - follow-up care): Malignant tumors of the thyroid gland. Endocrinologists are involved in post-operative management, hormone suppression, and long-term surveillance.
• Hyperthyroidism & Thyrotoxicosis (Overactive Thyroid - e.g., Graves' Disease, Toxic Adenoma, Toxic Multinodular Goiter): Condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors, and heat intolerance.
• Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A disorder where one or more parathyroid glands become overactive, producing too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and potential bone and kidney problems.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific endocrine condition, please consult with Dr. Erin Drever.

• Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.
• Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
• Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
• Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
• Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
• Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific tests and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Drever for care relevant to your specific condition.

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 endocrinological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Drever practices within an endocrinology clinic located in the heart of Central Kelowna, in the South Pandosy neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near Rutland Town Centre and Rutland Centennial Park, making it accessible and welcoming for patients. Public transit is readily available via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), allowing easy access for those without private transportation. The clinic premises are wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free entry for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, offering added convenience for visitors seeking endocrine care in Kelowna.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Drever, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Drever, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) 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 or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Drever's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Drever, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?

Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Drever. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.

What treatment options for osteoporosis might Dr. Drever discuss?

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, Dr. Drever will discuss a management plan aimed at reducing your risk of fractures. This starts with lifestyle modifications, including ensuring adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D (through diet and/or supplements), engaging in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake. Fall prevention strategies are also important. If medication is indicated based on your bone density (DXA scan) and fracture risk assessment (e.g., using FRAX or CAROC tools), options include antiresorptive medications that slow bone loss (like bisphosphonates or denosumab) or anabolic agents that stimulate new bone formation (like teriparatide or romosozumab). She will help choose the most appropriate therapy based on your individual circumstances, potential side effects, and treatment goals.

I have a thyroid nodule. What can I expect during an evaluation with an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Drever will conduct a thorough assessment. This typically involves reviewing your medical history (including any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or family history of thyroid disease), performing a physical examination of your neck and thyroid gland, and ordering blood tests to check your thyroid function (TSH, and possibly free T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is almost always performed to precisely characterize the nodule's size, number, and sonographic features (e.g., solid, cystic, calcifications, irregular margins). Based on these ultrasound characteristics and the nodule's size, Dr. Dr. Drever will determine if a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed to obtain cells for microscopic examination to rule out thyroid cancer. Most thyroid nodules are benign.

What symptoms might lead my doctor to refer me to an Endocrinologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

Your doctor might refer you to an Endocrinologist like Dr. Dr. Drever if you have symptoms or test results suggestive of a hormone imbalance or endocrine gland problem. This could include: unexplained significant weight gain or loss; persistent fatigue or lethargy; changes in mood or energy levels; excessive thirst or urination; new or worsening high blood sugar; symptoms of an overactive or underactive thyroid (e.g., palpitations, heat/cold intolerance, changes in hair/skin); bone density loss (osteoporosis); recurrent kidney stones; menstrual irregularities or fertility issues; unexplained high blood pressure; or physical changes like excessive hair growth, acromegaly features, or signs of Cushing's syndrome.

2251 Pandosy St, Walter Anderson Bld 2nd Flr
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T1

Phone: (250) 980-1351 | Fax: (250) 763-7025

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Drever is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) 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 or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Drever 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/376612/Drever%2CErin