Description
About Dr. Errin Leanne Sawatsky
Dr. Errin Leanne Sawatsky is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Cranbrook, BC, she serves the surrounding communities, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role emphasizes a holistic approach to internal medicine and geriatric care, ensuring that patients receive personalized and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Sawatsky graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2004. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics, earning key certifications to support her clinical expertise. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that her practice remains aligned with the latest standards and best practices in adult and senior healthcare.
With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Sawatsky is dedicated to serving her patients with compassion and integrity. She communicates fluently in English and is committed to providing accessible, patient-centred care within the Cranbrook region. Her clinical philosophy revolves around comprehensive assessment, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement in managing complex health conditions.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Errin Leanne Sawatsky
Dr. Sawatsky provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Sawatsky 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Errin Leanne Sawatsky
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- 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 Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Sawatsky. 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. Sawatsky'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Sawatsky's practice is conveniently situated in the central Cranbrook area, close to local points of interest such as Cranbrook Community Theatre and the Cranbrook Aquatic Centre. The location is easily accessible via public transit routes serving the Cranbrook region. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Sawatsky? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Sawatsky 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. Sawatsky. 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 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. Sawatsky uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- What kind of tests might Dr. Errin Leanne Sawatsky order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Sawatsky may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.
- What happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Sawatsky will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Sawatsky may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.
- What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Sawatsky's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.
Contact & Licensing Information
B-1924 8TH St N
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3N3
Phone: (250) 426-1995 | Fax: (250) 417-2973
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sawatsky 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/329936/Sawatsky%2CErrin