Dr. Jessica Tamiko Tamura-Wells – Family Doctor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Jessica Tamiko Tamura-Wells is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Victoria, 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. Her 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. Jessica Tamiko Tamura-Wells completed her MD (University of Calgary, 2017). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). 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 dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Jessica Tamiko Tamura-Wells 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

• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Comprehensive medical care for newborns immediately after birth and through the first year of life. Includes routine physical exams, growth monitoring, screening for jaundice and congenital conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart murmurs), umbilical cord care, and vitamin K/eye prophylaxis discussions (hospital-based). Strong focus on infant feeding support, including guidance and troubleshooting for breastfeeding (latch, positioning, supply concerns, mastitis management) and appropriate formula feeding practices, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly medical care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery, appropriate antibiotic stewardship (avoiding unnecessary antibiotics for viral illnesses), and prevent complications.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.

Preventative Health Topics

• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: A holistic approach to primary care that considers the broader social context of health and aims to reduce barriers to care and well-being by addressing SDOH.
• 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.

Mental Health Concerns

• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): A comprehensive and collaborative approach to ADHD care, addressing core symptoms and associated impairments across the lifespan, often involving a multidisciplinary team approach.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.

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

• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Effective remedies for bothersome infections of the skin, hair, and nails.
• 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).
• Evaluation of Acute Headaches & Dizziness / Vertigo: Initial medical evaluation to determine the cause of acute head pain or balance disturbance.
• Driver's Medical Examinations & Other Third-Party Medical Reports: Performing objective medical assessments for various administrative or regulatory requirements.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Offering essential travel health services and advice to protect your health while abroad, tailored to your destination and activities.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tamura-Wells. 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 Dr. Jessica Tamiko Tamura-Wells's practice, 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. Tamura-Wells frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Managing trouble with seasonal allergies that over-the-counter medications aren't adequately helping with effectively is a priority for Dr. Tamura-Wells. The aim is gaining much better insight into how their specific lifestyle choices (e.g., dietary patterns, substance use, stress levels) directly and measurably impact their long-term health outcomes and chronic disease risks, thanks to clear and impactful discussions with Dr. Tamura-Wells, which helps patients get back to enjoying still feeling reasonably energetic and mentally alert after a full and demanding day's work, enabling them to engage in enjoyable evening activities, family time, or personal hobbies rather than collapsing from exhaustion.
• The path to wellness when facing wanting to discuss screening for osteoporosis or how to maintain bone health involves working towards receiving proactive preventative care and targeted health screenings from Dr. Tamura-Wells that very likely averted a more serious, costly, or even life-threatening health issue from developing unnoticed or progressing to an advanced stage. Dr. Tamura-Wells guides patients so they can again enjoy proudly and comfortably attending their children's or grandchildren's various school events, important sports games, recitals, graduations, and artistic performances without being hindered by physical discomfort or lack of stamina.
• With Dr. Tamura-Wells's care, managing a persistent itchy scalp or dandruff that's not improving aims for feeling much more confident and competent in managing minor common illnesses at home for themselves or their children after receiving clear, practical instructions and valuable anticipatory guidance from Dr. Tamura-Wells, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like 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.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Tamura-Wells, 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. Tamura-Wells practices at a family medical clinic in Victoria, situated in the Downtown Victoria, Inner Harbour neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Inner Harbour Causeway and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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 in BC if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, or local health authority websites may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Tamura-Wells?

To each appointment with Dr. Tamura-Wells at the clinic, please ensure you have your provincial health card. A current, detailed list of all your medications (name, dose, frequency) is very important. If you're coming about a specific issue and have related reports (like X-rays, specialist letters, or recent lab results), please bring those along. It's also a good idea to jot down any questions or symptoms you want to discuss with Dr. Tamura-Wells beforehand so you don't forget anything important during your visit.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when the clinic 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 our clinic 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 our clinic or Dr. Tamura-Wells during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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 (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

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

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

Does Dr. Tamura-Wells at your clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Tamura-Wells at our clinic 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. Tamura-Wells if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with our clinic regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Tamura-Wells?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. Tamura-Wells's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. Tamura-Wells. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. Tamura-Wells, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

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, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

546 Yates St
Victoria, BC, V8W 1K8

Phone: (250) 383-3552

Dr. Jessica Tamiko Tamura-Wells 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: 59210

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/357726/Tamura-Wells%2CJessica

Family doctors like Dr. Tamura-Wells 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.