About
Dr. Karsten Madsen Hammond is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Victoria, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a proficient Infectious Disease Specialist, he focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.
He graduated with an MD from the University of Alberta in 2007. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Dr. Hammond is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. He holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Dr. Hammond’s professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. He is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and managing complex infections in vulnerable populations. He values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure optimal patient and community health. All communication and patient care are provided in English, with a focus on thorough, compassionate, and evidence-driven management.
Dr. Karsten Hammond provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Hammond manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Relevant in areas where these fungi are prevalent.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Serious fungal infections that can affect internal organs, often occurring in immunocompromised individuals.
- Malaria: Treatment with appropriate antimalarial drugs based on species and resistance patterns; chemoprophylaxis for travelers.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Hammond manages treatment typically involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, a cornerstone of infectious disease practice.
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): Treatment depends on the causative bacteria and severity.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): May require oral or intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage for abscesses.
- Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Hammond manages specialized care for individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for severe or unusual infections.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Prevention and treatment of bacterial, fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), and viral (e.g., CMV, adenovirus) infections.
- Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Includes prophylactic strategies and treatment of viral (CMV, EBV), fungal, and bacterial infections.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Close collaboration with oncologists.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Karsten Hammond is necessary.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Often involves complex decisions regarding device removal and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Specialized care for patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions like organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, or immunodeficiency disorders.
- Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Treatment for a wide range of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Consultation on complex antimicrobial regimens and management of side effects.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Hammond.
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. Hammond practices at an infectious disease clinic located in the Fairfield East neighborhood of Victoria, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility provides a professional and discreet environment tailored for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. Patients can generally access on-site or nearby public parking, ensuring ease of access for appointments. The clinic is equipped for comprehensive infectious disease assessment, offering a confidential setting for specialized care in a welcoming community environment.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Hammond?
- Dr. Hammond treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- Dr. Hammond, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Hammond may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Hammond specialize in?
- Dr. Hammond is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. He provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. 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. Hammond?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Hammond for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Hammond receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (778) 404-7170.
an infectious disease clinic in Victoria
1841 Fort St
Victoria, BC V8R 1J6
Office Phone: (778) 404-0144 | Office Fax: (778) 404-7170
Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Hammond's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/334076/Hammond%2CKarsten