Dr. Gavin William Geddes Chalmers – Podiatrist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Gavin Chalmers is a dedicated Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus), committed to providing exceptional foot and ankle care to patients of all ages with foot and ankle concerns. Practicing at a specialized podiatry clinic in Vancouver, in the vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood, he is a trusted provider of comprehensive foot and ankle treatment in the community. The clinic is conveniently located near Vancouver's Cultural Hub, easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), Bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed for easy access and patient comfort, with convenient parking options usually available nearby. Dr. Chalmers’s practice offers a professional and welcoming environment for thorough foot and ankle care, including advanced surgical options for complex deformities when conservative treatments are insufficient.

He earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in 1994, followed by postgraduate residency training and licensure examinations to practice as a Podiatrist in British Columbia. With over 30 years of experience, he is a qualified Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus), offering a broad range of services. He holds key qualifications including Board Certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS), reflecting his commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Chalmers’s professional philosophy centers on relieving foot pain and improving mobility for all patients. He emphasizes patient education, involving individuals in creating personalized treatment plans, and utilizes modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based treatments to ensure effective care. His approach includes a focus on preventative care, particularly for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes. Dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive foot and ankle care, he strives to enhance overall well-being in the Vancouver community. All patient communication and care are conducted in English.

Dr. Gavin Chalmers provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

Forefoot and Toe Conditions

Dr. Chalmers addresses problems affecting the ball of the foot and the toes, often due to pressure, friction, nerve issues, or joint deformities.

• Hammertoes / Claw Toes / Mallet Toes: Deformities of the lesser toes causing them to bend abnormally at one or more joints.
• Metatarsalgia: Can have various causes, including high-impact activities, ill-fitting shoes, or foot deformities.
• Morton's Neuroma: Symptoms include burning pain, numbness, or a sensation of standing on a pebble.

Heel and Arch Pain Conditions

Dr. Chalmers addresses treatment aims to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and restore normal foot function.

• Heel Spurs (Calcaneal Spurs): Identified on X-ray.
• Flat Feet (Pes Planus) / Fallen Arches: A condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to contact the ground.
• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Often related to overuse, tight calf muscles, or improper training techniques.

Skin and Nail Disorders of the Foot

Dr. Chalmers addresses common ailments affecting the surface of the feet and toenails, often caused by friction, pressure, infection, or underlying systemic conditions.

• Corns (Heloma Durum/Molle) and Calluses (Tyloma): Professional paring and addressing the cause of pressure can provide relief.
• Plantar Warts (Verrucae Plantaris): Can spread if not treated.
• Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): Commonly affects the big toe.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your foot and ankle health, a consultation with Dr. Gavin Chalmers is necessary.

• Surgical Correction of Bunions (Hallux Valgus): Various surgical techniques are chosen based on the severity and type of deformity.
• Custom Orthotics and Bracing: Orthotics for sports injuries, arthritis, and structural foot deformities.
• Routine Foot Care Services: Reduction of corns and calluses to alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Examination: Gait analysis to identify abnormalities in walking or running patterns.
• Wound Debridement and Management (including Diabetic Foot Ulcers): Crucial for managing complex wounds, especially in diabetic patients.
• Arthritis Management in the Foot and Ankle: May involve orthotics, medication advice, joint injections, or referral for surgical management if severe.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough foot and ankle examination and consultation with Dr. Chalmers.

All podiatry services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) and College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) guidelines. Referral requirements may vary based on your extended health plan.

Dr. Chalmers practices at a specialized podiatry clinic located in Vancouver's Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood. The clinic is easily accessible via public transit options including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is designed for patient convenience and comfort, with accessible entrances and nearby parking. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to comprehensive foot and ankle care, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of treatment in a relaxing setting.

Does Dr. Chalmers prescribe and provide custom foot orthotics?

Yes, Podiatrists like Dr. Chalmers are experts in biomechanics and often prescribe custom foot orthotics. After a thorough biomechanical assessment and gait analysis, He can determine if custom orthotics are appropriate for your condition, such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or other alignment issues, to help relieve pain and improve foot function. Casts or scans of your feet are typically taken to create devices tailored to your specific needs.

What is the difference between a Podiatrist like Dr. Chalmers and a Chiropodist?

In Canada, the terms 'Podiatrist' and 'Chiropodist' both refer to regulated primary healthcare professionals specializing in foot health, but there can be differences in their training and scope of practice, varying by province. Generally, Podiatrists (often DPMs - Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, like Dr. Chalmers) have a doctorate degree involving more extensive medical and surgical training, potentially including bone surgery of the foot. Chiropodists typically have a diploma or advanced diploma in chiropody and their scope may be more focused on non-surgical care, routine foot care, and management of skin/nail conditions, though some may perform soft tissue surgery. The regulatory body in British Columbia defines the specific scope for each. Dr. Chalmers is a Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus).

Why is diabetic foot care by a Podiatrist like Dr. Chalmers important?

For individuals with diabetes, seeing a Podiatrist such as Dr. Chalmers is vital for preventing and managing foot problems. Diabetes can reduce sensation and blood flow to the feet, making them vulnerable to ulcers and infections that can escalate quickly. Dr. Chalmers performs regular screenings, treats any emerging issues, and educates patients on how to protect their feet.

When should I see a Podiatrist like Dr. Chalmers?

A visit to Dr. Chalmers is recommended for issues such as chronic heel pain, problems with walking or foot biomechanics, recurrent ankle sprains, diabetic foot assessments, or if you need custom orthotics. Also, seek consultation for any unusual growths, discoloration, or persistent infections of the feet or toenails.

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

Provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) coverage for podiatric care by Dr. Chalmers in British Columbia is limited. Many services are private pay or covered by extended health benefits, though some medically necessary services for eligible groups might have partial MSP coverage. Always confirm with Dr. Chalmers's office and your insurer.

What does a Podiatrist like Dr. Chalmers specialize in?

Dr. Chalmers is a Podiatrist, a specialist with extensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle health. He diagnoses and treats a wide array of conditions, from common skin and nail problems to complex biomechanical issues and foot deformities, sometimes including surgical interventions. With advanced training and experience in surgical procedures to correct foot and ankle deformities, relieve pain, and restore function.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Chalmers?

Generally, direct access to a Podiatrist like Dr. Chalmers is common in Canada for services that are not covered by the provincial health plan (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). If you have extended health benefits, they might require a referral for coverage. For provincially insured services where applicable (varies greatly by province for podiatry), a referral might be necessary. Contact Dr. Chalmers's clinic for specific guidance. The clinic's fax number for referrals, if required by your insurance, is typically (604) 629-9278.

a specialized podiatry clinic in Vancouver
1160 BURRARD ST STE 502, Burrard Medical Centre
Vancouver, BC V6Z 2E8

Office Phone: (604) 685-5370 | Office Fax: (604) 629-9278

Dr. Chalmers is a licensed Podiatrist (Foot & Ankle Surgery Focus) regulated by the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act and Podiatrists Regulation in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician is generally not required to see Dr. Chalmers, but may be needed for coverage under some extended health insurance plans.

Verify Dr. Chalmers's registration with the College of Podiatric Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373696/Chalmers%2CGavin