Dr. Karim Sadrudin Harjee – Family Doctor | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Karim Sadrudin Harjee is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Karim Harjee Clinic Vancouver in Burnaby, BC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He 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. His 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. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Karim Sadrudin Harjee completed his MD (University of British Columbia, 1993). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Gujarati, Hindi, Kutchi and Urdu.

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

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Management of acute migraine episodes or severe tension headaches, including advice on abortive medications, lifestyle adjustments during an attack, and strategies for future prevention.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Assessment and treatment for acute chest infections like acute bronchitis or mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, including determining the need for antibiotics based on clinical assessment and guidelines, and monitoring recovery closely.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.
• 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.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Initial assessment, diagnosis, and conservative management of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction related to repetitive tasks, sustained awkward postures, or ergonomic factors at work or during hobbies. This includes common conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (mild-moderate), de Quervain's tenosynovitis, epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow), trigger finger/thumb, rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and non-specific arm/neck/shoulder pain attributable to overuse.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Long-term management of PMR involves a very slow and gradual tapering of corticosteroids over 1-2 years (or longer), carefully monitoring for clinical relapse (recurrence of symptoms) and adjusting steroid dose accordingly. Also includes monitoring for and managing potential corticosteroid side effects (e.g., osteoporosis - bone protection with calcium/vitamin D, bisphosphonates if needed; hyperglycemia; hypertension; weight gain; mood changes; skin fragility).

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.
• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial bacterial skin infections such as impetigo (honey-crusted lesions), folliculitis (infected hair follicles), and uncomplicated cellulitis (localized skin infection with redness, warmth, swelling, pain) or erysipelas. Management includes topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin, fusidic acid) for localized infections or oral antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin, cloxacillin, clindamycin) for more extensive or systemic involvement. Advice on wound care and hygiene.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Differentiating between benign and potentially suspicious skin lesions is a key role, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if any features suggest skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• 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.

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

• Cardiovascular & Metabolic Risk Assessment & Management: Evaluating risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, including blood pressure measurement, cholesterol (lipid panel) screening, blood glucose testing, and assessing lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, smoking, family history). Includes initiation of preventative medications if indicated.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Expert care to help you achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol targets, preventing long-term complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
• 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.
• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate primary care for teenagers, addressing a range of issues including puberty, acne, body image, mental health (anxiety, depression, stress), sexual health education, contraception, STI screening, substance use counseling, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise, sleep).
• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial infections like tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot), candidiasis, warts (cryotherapy, topical agents), molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster (shingles), impetigo, and folliculitis, using appropriate topical or oral antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial medications.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Harjee. 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 Karim Harjee Clinic Vancouver, 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. Harjee frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• For patients where concerns about possible medication interactions between prescriptions from different doctors is a concern, Dr. Harjee focuses on plans that lead to experiencing substantially reduced anxiety and apprehension about specific medical procedures or tests after he took the time to explain them thoroughly, patiently answered all questions, and directly addressed their specific fears and concerns, supporting their ability to graciously hosting enjoyable social gatherings, dinner parties, or casual get-togethers for friends, colleagues, and family members in their home, feeling comfortable, energetic, and capable as a host.
• Patients often come to Dr. Harjee regarding needing medical clearance or a pre-participation physical for a new job, school program, or volunteer position. Working together, they aim for receiving compassionate, understanding, and effective support and strategies from him for managing a spectrum of mental health challenges including persistent anxiety, significant depression, debilitating grief, overwhelming life stress, or initial symptoms of more complex psychiatric conditions, making a return to proficiently and safely operating specialized tools, intricate machinery, or complex equipment required for their specific line of work, skilled trade, or demanding technical hobbies without risk of injury or error due to health limitations feasible.
• Patients with their child has a foreign object stuck in their nose or ear (and it seems minor enough for the clinic) can find relief and achieve feeling fully empowered by him to ask pertinent and challenging questions, openly voice their preferences and values regarding treatment options, and participate actively and meaningfully as a respected partner in all their healthcare decisions under Dr. Harjee's care, often allowing them to resume simply and thankfully getting through each and every day without their physical or mental health being a primary, constant source of pervasive worry, nagging discomfort, significant functional limitation, or a barrier to their desired activities without former limitations.

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

Dr. Harjee practices at Karim Harjee Clinic Vancouver, situated in the Capitol Hill, Burnaby Heights neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Brentwood Town Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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. Provincial resources, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may have tools to help you find a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

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 BC health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and may have additional fees. Please confirm with Karim Harjee Clinic Vancouver if you have questions about specific services and associated costs.

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

You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, which often has a "Find a Doctor" tool. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or clinics directly. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

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

A family doctor, also known as a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families of all ages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, providing preventative care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and referring you to specialists when needed. They build long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

Can Dr. Harjee help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes. Dr. Harjee addresses a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. He can help diagnose conditions, provide counseling and support, manage medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if needed.

What if Dr. Harjee works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Harjee?

Dr. Harjee practices as part of Karim Harjee Clinic Vancouver, a team-based practice. While the goal is continuity with your primary family doctor, for some routine matters you might see another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach enhances access to care. The clinic will strive to have you see Dr. Harjee for complex or ongoing issues.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Harjee?

Continuity of care means having an ongoing relationship with your family doctor over time. It allows Dr. Harjee to understand your health history and needs, leading to better diagnoses, tailored treatments, and a trusting relationship. Studies show it leads to better health outcomes.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Harjee?

For most refills, contact your pharmacy at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can fax a refill request to Dr. Harjee's office. Allow 2-3 business days for processing. For certain medications or if it has been a while since your last review, an appointment may be needed.

Karim Harjee Clinic Vancouver
200-4012 Hastings St E, Norburn Medical Centre
Burnaby, BC, V5C 2H9

Phone: (604) 299-2677

Dr. Karim Sadrudin Harjee 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: 24296

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/311020/Harjee%2CKarim

Family doctors like Dr. Harjee 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.