Dr. Ida Isabella Gallo – Family Doctor | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Ida Isabella Gallo is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Te-Juatco Lillien Dr in Burnaby, BC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She 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. Dr. Gallo's 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. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Ida Isabella Gallo completed her MD (University of British Columbia, 1990). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Italian.

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

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations, addressing parental questions or concerns about vaccines with evidence-based information and empathy, managing catch-up schedules if needed, and documenting all immunizations accurately.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Helping children and their families manage long-term health conditions effectively, enabling active participation in all aspects of childhood including school, sports, and play, while minimizing symptoms and exacerbations.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): A first point of contact and trusted resource for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, advocacy, and clear pathways to specialized care and school-based supports.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Diagnosing (often clinical, supported by serum uric acid levels; joint aspiration for crystal analysis if diagnostically uncertain or to rule out septic arthritis) and managing acute gout or pseudogout attacks with appropriate anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like naproxen/indomethacin, colchicine, oral or intra-articular corticosteroids).
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Referral to urology for severe symptoms, complications (e.g., acute urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, renal impairment due to obstruction), or if surgical intervention (e.g., TURP) is being considered.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in appropriate clinical contexts (e.g., patients with peptic ulcer disease, certain types of gastritis, dyspepsia in high-prevalence areas, or family history of gastric cancer) using non-invasive methods like urea breath test, stool antigen test, or serology (less reliable for active infection).
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Primary care approach to accurately diagnosing and effectively treating common forms of anemia to improve energy levels, cognitive function, exercise tolerance, and overall health. Referral to hematology for complex or unexplained anemia.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Primary care approach to common, non-sight-threatening eye discomforts.

Common Acute Conditions

• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Helping patients manage their allergy symptoms effectively to improve daily comfort and quality of life.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common acute skin issues including cellulitis (mild, uncomplicated), fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis), allergic rashes (e.g., hives, contact dermatitis), impetigo, shingles (herpes zoster), insect bites/stings with significant local reactions, and minor superficial burns.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Addressing common symptoms of UTIs and providing effective, evidence-based treatment to eradicate the infection and restore urinary health.

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

• Grief, Loss & Bereavement Counseling (Initial Supportive Care): Offering compassionate support, active listening, and initial counseling for individuals experiencing grief due to the loss of loved ones, significant life transitions, or other forms of bereavement.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Diagnosing and managing conditions resulting from repetitive stress or overuse, such as tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (initial management).
• Patient Education on Specific Health Conditions & Self-Management: Ensuring patients and their families understand their medical conditions and treatment plans, encouraging active participation in their own care.
• Assessment & Management of Common Joint Pain (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Back): Diagnosing and providing primary care management for common musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis, mechanical low back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff tendinopathy, bursitis, and other non-specific joint or muscle pain.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Supportive counseling and problem-solving for stress-related symptoms, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gallo. 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 Te-Juatco Lillien Dr, 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. Gallo frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Overcoming or managing their child having recurrent nosebleeds that seem excessive is a common patient journey at Dr. Gallo's practice. The focus is on enabling experiencing significantly improved physical function, greater ease of mobility, and markedly reduced daily pain as a result of managing complex musculoskeletal issues or sports injuries under Dr. Gallo's comprehensive guidance, treatment plan, and care coordination with allied health professionals, so that engaging in 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 becomes a reality again.
• Struggling with wanting to understand if their family history of cancer means they need earlier or different screening tests? Dr. Gallo helps patients target achieving a significantly healthier and more balanced lifestyle that demonstrably reduces their risk of developing future preventable health problems and notably enhances their overall physical and mental resilience, making a return to activities such as successfully pursuing further formal education, challenging vocational training programs, or self-directed learning initiatives to achieve important personal growth objectives or significant professional aspirations more achievable.
• Patients experiencing their child having issues with persistent allergies, eczema flare-ups, or food sensitivities often seek Dr. Gallo's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is their newborn receiving excellent, thorough initial care, meticulous monitoring for healthy growth and crucial early development, and invaluable support for new parents during the critical and often overwhelming early weeks of life, all from Dr. Gallo, supporting their return to activities like regularly attending and actively participating in religious services, meaningful cultural events, important community group meetings, or engaging hobby clubs, feeling socially connected, included, and valued.

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

Dr. Gallo's practice is located at Te-Juatco Lillien Dr, in the Coquitlam West / Burnaby East (Lougheed Town Centre area) neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Burnaby Mountain Park and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Gallo handle complex care?

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Gallo does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when Te-Juatco Lillien Dr 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 Te-Juatco Lillien Dr 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 Te-Juatco Lillien Dr or Dr. Gallo during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(604) 421-1027] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. Finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging and may take time.

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, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Te-Juatco Lillien Dr if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

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

A family doctor (BC) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

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

Always bring your health card to your appointment with Dr. Gallo. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products) is crucial for Dr. Gallo to review. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary you can provide are beneficial. If you're diabetic, bringing your blood sugar log and meter can be helpful. Preparing a list of your symptoms or questions in advance can also make your appointment more productive and ensure all your concerns are addressed.

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 they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Provincial resources, like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Does Dr. Gallo at Te-Juatco Lillien Dr offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Gallo at Te-Juatco Lillien Dr offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Gallo if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Te-Juatco Lillien Dr regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

Te-Juatco Lillien Dr
240-9600 Cameron St
Burnaby, BC, V3J 7N3

Phone: (604) 421-1027

Dr. Ida Isabella Gallo 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: 5168

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/306781/Gallo%2CIda

Family doctors like Dr. Gallo 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.