Dr. Juliann Margaret Aitchison – Family Doctor | Salmon Arm, BC

Dr. Juliann Margaret Aitchison is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Salmon Arm, 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. Juliann Margaret Aitchison completed her MD (University of Toronto, 1992). 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 a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. She provides consultations in English.

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

Common Chronic Conditions

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Primary care approach to identifying and managing deficiencies or chronic conditions that lead to persistent anemia.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Ongoing management of chronic GERD (acid reflux) and PUD, including lifestyle modifications (diet, weight, smoking cessation), prescription of acid-suppressing medications (PPIs, H2 blockers), H. pylori testing and eradication, and monitoring for complications or need for endoscopy.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Primary care strategies to protect and preserve kidney health, including tight blood pressure and glycemic control, and education on kidney-friendly habits.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Partnering with you to achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure control, thereby significantly reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other related health problems.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing effective treatment for acutely painful crystal-induced arthritis, focusing on rapid symptom relief during flares, and implementing robust long-term preventative measures for chronic gout to improve joint health and overall well-being.
• 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.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Helping patients understand the nature of their mechanical spinal pain, empowering them with self-management techniques, and discouraging reliance on passive treatments or unnecessary imaging for uncomplicated cases, in line with clinical practice guidelines.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals for it, addressing underlying contributing factors (e.g., anxiety, pain, medications, restless legs syndrome), and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).

Pediatric Common Issues

• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including education on inhaler/spacer technique, trigger avoidance, development of personalized asthma action plans for home and school), eczema (atopic dermatitis - focusing on skincare, emollients, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, trigger management), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Includes initial assessment and guidance for food allergies, with referral to pediatric allergists for confirmation and comprehensive management if indicated.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.
• 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.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Supporting the unique physical, emotional, and social health needs of adolescents during this critical period of rapid development, fostering autonomy, responsible decision-making, and a positive transition to adulthood.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Diagnosing and managing various forms of eczema/dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis (the most common type, often starting in childhood), irritant/allergic contact dermatitis (identifying and avoiding triggers), and seborrheic dermatitis (affecting scalp, face, chest). Management focuses on skincare education (frequent emollients, gentle cleansers, lukewarm baths), trigger identification and avoidance, topical corticosteroids (appropriate potency for site and severity), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs like tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), and antihistamines for itch relief. Referral for patch testing or to dermatology for severe or refractory cases.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children and adolescents, such as ear infections (otitis media), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), common colds, influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-mouth disease, gastroenteritis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
• Care for Minor Injuries & Acute Musculoskeletal Complaints: Providing first-line care for common minor injuries, including wound care advice, pain management strategies, and guidance on activity modification and rehabilitation.
• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Comprehensive, age-appropriate check-ups for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents, focusing on monitoring physical growth, developmental milestones (gross motor, fine motor, language, social-emotional), nutrition, vision/hearing screening, and providing anticipatory guidance to parents/caregivers on safety, behavior, and healthy habits.
• 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.
• Routine Health Check-ups & Physicals for Adults: Scheduled visits for adults designed to proactively manage health risks, detect potential problems early, and offer personalized guidance on maintaining optimal health and well-being.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Aitchison. 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. Juliann Margaret Aitchison'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. Aitchison frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• A key objective when treating experiencing unexplained bruising more easily than before at Dr. Aitchison's clinic is successfully achieving their specific, meaningful, and personal health goals, whether it's achieving sustainable and healthy weight management, successfully quitting smoking or vaping after multiple attempts, consistently maintaining improved physical fitness levels, or achieving significantly better daily pain control and function, supporting a comfortable return to nurturing and maintaining strong, supportive, and deeply fulfilling relationships with their immediate family members, close friends, and wider social network through regular, active, and meaningful engagement.
• When experiencing unusual fatigue and muscle aches that aren't explained by physical activity impacts daily life, Dr. Aitchison helps patients strive for experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to {preferred_name}'s diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments, making activities such as participating fully, actively, and joyfully in all extended family activities, special gatherings, milestone celebrations, and holiday traditions possible again.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Aitchison about that persistent, dry cough that just won't seem to go away after a cold is to achieve feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from {preferred_name} to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with skillfully and creatively cooking a wide variety of nutritious, flavorful, and delicious meals from scratch for themselves, their partners, and their families on a regular basis, finding joy in the process.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Aitchison, 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. Aitchison's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Salmon Arm, situated in the central Salmon Arm neighborhood of Salmon Arm. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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 often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website that you can check. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. It may take time to find a suitable doctor.

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 difficult. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may offer assistance in finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

How often should I see Dr. Aitchison for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Aitchison varies based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need less frequent check-ups (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). Dr. Aitchison follows established provincial guidelines for specific screening tests. Discuss your individual needs with her to determine an appropriate schedule.

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 (e.g., cosmetic procedures, travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and may have associated fees. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services.

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

Your family doctor (British Columbia) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee the care of long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

102-571 6 St NE, Shuswap Family Practice
Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 1R6

Phone: (250) 832-2151

Dr. Juliann Margaret Aitchison 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: 27133

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326365/Aitchison%2CJuliann

Family doctors like Dr. Aitchison 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.