About
Dr. Issa Ephtimios is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Kelowna, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic is located in Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood, offering a professional and discreet environment for specialized infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. It is conveniently accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit) and is equipped with facilities to support comprehensive infectious disease management. Patients can expect personalized, confidential care in a setting designed to meet the needs of those with complex or sensitive health concerns.
He holds a medical degree (MB BCh) from Ain Shams University (1980) and has completed extensive postgraduate training, including residency in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Dr. Ephtimios is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and certifications underpin his expertise in diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of infectious conditions, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices and diagnostic tools.
Driven by a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, Dr. Ephtimios emphasizes patient education, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship. He strives to deliver compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs. His philosophy centers on collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, public health agencies, and other specialists to optimize health outcomes for his patients and the community. All patient interactions and communications are conducted in English, ensuring clear and effective dialogue.
Dr. Issa Ephtimios provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Ephtimios manages infectious disease specialists manage complex or severe viral illnesses.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, monitoring for opportunistic infections, and addressing long-term health.
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Expertise in emerging respiratory virus threats.
- COVID-19 and Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID): Expertise in antiviral treatments and evolving understanding of the disease.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Ephtimios manages treatment typically involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, a cornerstone of infectious disease practice.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Infections in any part of the urinary system, often causing painful urination, frequency, and urgency.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Can be caused by bacteria spreading from other sites of infection or direct inoculation.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Prompt treatment is important to prevent spread.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Ephtimios manages focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of infections.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Care for complex infections during periods of profound neutropenia and immunosuppression following HSCT.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
- Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Vigilance for opportunistic infections.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Issa Ephtimios is necessary.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents to enhance patient outcomes, reduce microbial resistance, and decrease the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Consultation for prevention of device-related infections.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and management of complex or unusual infections.
- Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Treatment for a wide range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial management of infections affecting bones and joints.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Ephtimios.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Ephtimios practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic situated in the heart of Kelowna, BC. The clinic is conveniently located in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood, close to Rutland Centennial Park. It is easily accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), offering a discreet and professional setting for specialized infectious disease consultations. The facility is equipped for comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up care, with ample parking options typically available nearby. Patients can expect a welcoming environment dedicated to confidential and expert infectious disease management.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Ephtimios?
- A consultation with Dr. Ephtimios is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Ephtimios is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Ephtimios may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. a Infectious Disease Specialist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Ephtimios?
- For most consultations with Dr. Ephtimios that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 862-4186.
- Are services from Dr. Ephtimios covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Ephtimios, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Ephtimios, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Ephtimios's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- What is Dr. Ephtimios's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Dr. Ephtimios contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.
an infectious disease clinic in Kelowna
PO Box 24007 Rpo Towne Centre
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9H2
Office Phone: (250) 862-4157 | Office Fax: (250) 862-4186
Dr. Ephtimios is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Ephtimios, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Ephtimios's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/372099/Ephtimios%2CIssa