Dr. Harold James Wiebe – Family Doctor | Abbotsford, BC

Dr. Harold James Wiebe is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre in Abbotsford, BC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. His focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Harold James Wiebe completed his MD (University of Manitoba, 1990). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. He provides consultations in English.

Dr. Harold James Wiebe provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Conducting routine medical examinations as required by provincial transportation authorities for driver's license issuance or renewal, particularly for commercial drivers (truck, bus, taxi) or as mandated by age (e.g., for seniors at specific intervals). Assessing medical fitness to drive based on established national and provincial medical standards, including vision, hearing, cognitive function, cardiovascular health, neurological status, and medication review.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Offering essential travel health services and tailored advice to protect your health while abroad, based on current international health regulations, CDC/WHO recommendations, and your specific travel plans.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (honey-crusted lesions), folliculitis (infected hair follicles), and uncomplicated cellulitis (localized skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling, pain) or erysipelas. Management includes topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, fusidic acid) for localized infections or oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin, cloxacillin, clindamycin) for more extensive or systemic involvement. Advice on wound care and hygiene.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Performing opportunistic or targeted skin examinations, especially for patients with risk factors (e.g., history of sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, multiple moles, fair skin), to screen for suspicious moles or lesions that could indicate skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma - BCC, squamous cell carcinoma - SCC, melanoma). Utilizing dermoscopy if trained to improve diagnostic accuracy. Performing skin biopsies (punch, shave, excisional) of concerning lesions or providing timely referrals to dermatology for further evaluation, biopsy, and management if skin cancer is suspected.
• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea (erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular types) with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin), oral antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines for inflammatory acne/rosacea, if indicated), and comprehensive lifestyle/skincare advice (gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products, sun protection for rosacea, trigger avoidance for rosacea). Referral to dermatology for severe, cystic, or treatment-resistant acne/rosacea.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Individualized, evidence-based care plans for individuals living with hypertension, focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment for optimal cardiovascular health.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Managing chronic pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis in various joints (knees, hips, hands, spine), persistent mechanical low back or neck pain, and conditions like fibromyalgia. This involves a multimodal approach including education, exercise recommendations (strength, flexibility, low-impact aerobics), weight management, pain relief medications (topical, oral NSAIDs, acetaminophen, judicious use of other analgesics like gabapentinoids or TCAs for neuropathic/fibromyalgia components), joint injection considerations, and referrals to physiotherapy, rheumatology or pain clinics if needed.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Comprehensive care for individuals with asthma and related allergies, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management skills, and emergency preparedness for asthma attacks.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Wiebe. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Initial medical evaluation to determine the cause of acute head pain or balance disturbance.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Comprehensive primary care for chronic inflammatory and allergic skin conditions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Coordinated management of diverse chronic illnesses within a primary care setting.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Adjusting thyroid medication based on symptoms and regular blood tests (TSH, free T4, etc.) to maintain optimal thyroid function.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Stress): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains for a better quality of life and disease prevention.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Wiebe. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in BC and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Wiebe frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Through Dr. Wiebe's guidance, patients with a cut that looks red, swollen, and might be infected often find they can achieve their child's academic performance or social engagement noticeably improving after Dr. Wiebe played a key role in identifying and initiating management for underlying health conditions, attention issues, or learning differences and once again pursue feeling consistently rested, fully alert, and cognitively sharp enough to drive safely and defensively for both short daily commutes and much longer, more demanding road trips or family vacations.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Wiebe about having trouble falling asleep most nights, or waking up frequently and feeling exhausted is to achieve successfully managing their multiple (often complex) medications with significantly fewer side effects, demonstrably better adherence to the prescribed regimen, and a much clearer understanding of each medication's specific purpose, benefits, and potential interactions, thanks to Dr. Wiebe's careful oversight. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with successfully and relatively stress-free managing daily commutes on often crowded or unpredictable public transport systems or by car in heavy traffic without significant exacerbation of physical pain or anxiety symptoms.
• With Dr. Wiebe's care, managing a new skin rash that's itchy, spreading quickly, or looks unusual and concerning aims for benefiting from seamlessly and efficiently coordinated care, where Dr. Wiebe actively and effectively liaises with other healthcare providers, specialists, pharmacists, and various community services on their behalf, ensuring everyone is on the same page, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like adeptly managing daily life stressors, unexpected personal challenges, and demanding professional pressures in a healthy, resilient, constructive, and adaptive way, maintaining emotional equilibrium.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Wiebe, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. He believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Wiebe practices at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, located in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood of Abbotsford. The clinic is conveniently located near Abbotsford Auto Mall and is accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre or Dr. Wiebe during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(604) 851-4756] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources (like a local health authority website or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC patient-doctor matching service, if available) may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC who is accepting new patients?

Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list). Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It can be challenging and may take time.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Wiebe?

Bring your valid provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card). It's helpful to bring a list of all current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements) with dosages. Relevant medical records, recent test results, or letters from other doctors can also be useful, especially for new patients or complex problems. A written list of your questions or concerns is also recommended.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, providing mental health support, and coordinating care with specialists. Building long-term relationships with patients is a key aspect of their role.

Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre
32900 Marshall Rd
Abbotsford, BC, V2S 0C2

Phone: (604) 851-4756

Dr. Harold James Wiebe is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Registration Number: 25430

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/319759/Wiebe%2CHarold

Family doctors like Dr. Wiebe are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.