About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Heather Joan Gilley serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, she serves the surrounding communities, providing comprehensive adult healthcare aligned with the standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role encompasses both internal medicine and geriatric medicine, with a focus on complex adult and senior patient populations.
Dr. Gilley graduated with her MD from the University of Calgary in 1984. She has completed relevant postgraduate training and holds key certifications in her areas of expertise, ensuring her practice is grounded in evidence-based medicine and current clinical guidelines.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach, committed to delivering high-quality care to Vancouver’s diverse adult population. She speaks fluent English and is dedicated to improving health outcomes and quality of life for her patients.
Dr. Gilley provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Dr. Gilley 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- 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).
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Gilley. 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. Gilley'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).
Dr. Gilley's practice is located in the vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood of Vancouver, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Vancouver Art Gallery and is accessible via multiple modes of public transportation, including the TransLink SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Gilley? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Gilley 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. Gilley. 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.
- How does Dr. Heather Joan Gilley communicate with my family doctor?
- Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Gilley will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation or Adrenal Gland Disorders is crucial, Dr. Gilley also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Cardiovascular Conditions), and participation in meaningful activities.
- What are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Gilley's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
9B Providence Building - Older Adult Clinic 1081 Burrard St, St Pauls Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Phone: (604) 806-8029 | Fax: (604) 806-8390
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gilley 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/303740/Gilley%2CHeather