About
Dr. Fahd Jowhari is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a reputable gastroenterology clinic within Kelowna, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community committed to providing comprehensive digestive health care. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that all patients receive safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care. Dr. Jowhari offers a broad spectrum of services aimed at diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in a supportive environment.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist, accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive training and certification enable him to provide expert care for complex digestive health issues, combining clinical expertise with advanced procedural skills to optimize patient outcomes.
Dr. Jowhari’s clinical philosophy centers around evidence-based medicine, patient education, and personalized care. He believes in empowering his patients through clear communication about their conditions and treatment options, emphasizing early and accurate diagnosis through state-of-the-art procedures. His dedication to the community of Kelowna is complemented by his multilingual abilities, including fluency in Hindi, Punjabi (Panjabi), and Urdu, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population with empathy and cultural sensitivity.
Dr. Fahd Jowhari diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders
- Rumination Syndrome: A condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then reswallow it or spit it out.
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting for hours or days, with symptom-free intervals in between.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Focus
- Indeterminate Colitis & IBD-Unclassified (IBD-U): Cases of IBD, particularly early in the disease course, where it is difficult to definitively distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis based on clinical, endoscopic, and histological features.
- Microscopic Colitis (often considered alongside IBD for chronic diarrhea): Though distinct from classic IBD, it's an inflammatory condition of the colon diagnosed by biopsy, causing chronic watery diarrhea.
- Ulcerative Colitis (Proctitis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis): A chronic inflammatory condition that causes inflammation and ulcers primarily in the lining of the large intestine (colon and rectum), typically presenting with bloody diarrhea, urgency, and abdominal pain.
Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders
- Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - All Subtypes (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, IBS-U): A common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or mixed).
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Fahd Jowhari.
- Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel & Colon): Non-invasive procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized camera that takes pictures of the small intestine (for obscure GI bleeding, Crohn's disease) or colon (as an alternative to colonoscopy in select cases).
- Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fine Needle Aspiration/Biopsy (FNA/FNB): Procedure combining endoscopy with ultrasound to obtain high-resolution images and tissue samples (FNA/FNB) of the digestive tract wall, surrounding organs (pancreas, liver, adrenal glands, gallbladder), and lymph nodes for staging cancers or diagnosing lesions.
- Biofeedback Therapy Coordination for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction & Fecal Incontinence: Evaluation for defecatory disorders and fecal incontinence, with coordination of biofeedback therapy and other interventions to improve pelvic floor muscle function.
- Management of Functional Dyspepsia & Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome: Diagnosis and management of chronic upper abdominal pain or discomfort (dyspepsia) or generalized abdominal pain without an identifiable structural cause, often involving lifestyle, dietary, and neuromodulator therapies.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management (including subtypes IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M): Multifaceted approach to managing IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, mixed pattern) including thorough exclusion of other conditions, dietary modifications (e.g., low FODMAP diet), lifestyle changes, stress management, and targeted medications.
- Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
- Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Jowhari for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Fahd Jowhari practices within a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, and Downtown. The facility is conveniently located near the Kelowna Sails Sculpture, making it a recognizable landmark. Accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), the clinic is easily reachable by public transportation. The premises are wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, allowing for convenient and stress-free visits for those arriving by private vehicle.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Jowhari, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Jowhari, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Jowhari's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Jowhari, a Gastroenterologist?
- Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Jowhari for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.
- What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? Can Dr. Jowhari diagnose and treat both?
- Yes, a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Jowhari can diagnose and treat both IBS and IBD, but they are very different conditions. IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation and physical damage (like ulcers and strictures) to the digestive tract, visible during endoscopy and on biopsies. It's an autoimmune-related condition. IBS, on the other hand, is a functional gut disorder, meaning the GI tract doesn't work correctly, but there's no visible inflammation or damage on standard tests. IBS causes symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, it doesn't cause the destructive inflammation seen in IBD. Diagnosis involves different criteria and investigations for each.
- What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Jowhari specialize in?
- A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. He is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Jowhari is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.
- How does Dr. Jowhari approach treating functional GI disorders like IBS or functional dyspepsia?
- Treating functional GI disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or functional dyspepsia often involves a multi-faceted approach tailored by Dr. Jowhari to your specific symptoms and triggers. Since these conditions don't have a structural cause seen on tests, management focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life. This may include dietary modifications (like identifying trigger foods or trying a low FODMAP diet for IBS), lifestyle adjustments (stress management, regular exercise), fiber supplements, over-the-counter remedies, and prescription medications. Medications can target specific symptoms like pain (antispasmodics), diarrhea (anti-diarrheals), constipation (laxatives), or abnormal gut-brain interaction (neuromodulators in low doses). He will work with you to find the most effective combination of strategies.
- What is generally involved in preparing for a colonoscopy procedure?
- Preparing for a colonoscopy is a critical step to ensure the procedure is effective and safe. Dr. Jowhari's office will provide very specific instructions, which must be followed closely. Typically, preparation involves dietary changes for a few days beforehand (e.g., low-residue diet), followed by a clear liquid diet for the 24 hours prior to the exam. The most important part is the bowel cleansing process, which involves drinking a prescribed laxative solution designed to completely empty and clean your colon. This usually starts the evening before and may continue the morning of the procedure. You'll also need to arrange for transportation home, as sedation is commonly used.
564 Leon Ave, Kelowna Gastroenterology Associates
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J6
Phone: (250) 763-6433 | Fax: (250) 763-3818
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Jowhari is a licensed Gastroenterologist 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. Jowhari 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/366659/Jowhari%2CFahd