About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Hector McIlchere Baillie offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Nanaimo, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on evidence-based, patient-centred care. His practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice in internal medicine, emphasizing comprehensive care for adult patients, including older adults and seniors.
Dr. Baillie graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Glasgow in 1981, United Kingdom. He has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds certification in internal medicine and geriatrics, ensuring a high standard of clinical expertise. His professional development includes adherence to the latest clinical guidelines and participation in ongoing medical education to stay current with advances in adult and geriatric medicine.
His clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing individualized patient care, thorough assessments, and shared decision-making. Dr. Baillie is committed to serving the Nanaimo community with compassion and professionalism. He communicates fluently in English, ensuring clear and effective dialogue with his patients. His dedication is to optimize health outcomes and improve quality of life for his patients across all stages of adulthood.
Dr. Baillie provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Dr. Baillie 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.
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Baillie. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Baillie'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. Baillie's practice is located in central Nanaimo, in the Departure Bay neighborhood, near the Nanaimo Museum. The clinic is easily accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Baillie? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Baillie 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. Baillie. 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. Baillie uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- 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. Baillie'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.
- Can Dr. Hector McIlchere Baillie provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Baillie can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.
- Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?
- As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.
205-1621 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5T4
Phone: (250) 753-2446 | Fax: (250) 753-9686
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Baillie 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/305149/Baillie%2CHector