Dr. Laura Michelle Howlett – Family Doctor | Oliver, BC

Dr. Laura Michelle Howlett is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Oliver, 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. Laura Michelle Howlett completed her MD (University of British Columbia, 2020). 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 commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. She provides consultations in English.

Dr. Laura Michelle Howlett 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

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common acute skin issues including cellulitis (mild, uncomplicated), fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis), allergic rashes (e.g., hives, contact dermatitis), impetigo, shingles (herpes zoster), insect bites/stings with significant local reactions, and minor superficial burns.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Addressing common symptoms of UTIs and providing effective, evidence-based treatment to eradicate the infection and restore urinary health.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Managing lower respiratory tract infections that cause persistent cough (productive or non-productive), chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fever.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Ongoing management and support for anxiety disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• 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.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Supportive counseling and practical guidance for stress-related symptoms and adjustment disorders, promoting well-being and preventing escalation to more severe mental health conditions.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• 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.

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

• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Collaboratively discussing healthy weight goals based on BMI, waist circumference, and overall health status. Providing guidance on balanced nutrition, portion control, mindful eating, regular physical activity, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, self-monitoring, addressing emotional eating), and addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues. Medical options may be discussed if appropriate based on guidelines and individual assessment.
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Support and treatment for chronic lung diseases, including referrals for pulmonary rehabilitation and specialist care when indicated.
• Coordination with Allied Health Professionals & Community Health Services: Facilitating access to a broad network of allied health and community services to support your overall health plan, recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term management needs.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Supporting families by addressing developmental and behavioral questions with empathy, offering practical advice, and facilitating access to necessary assessments and support services.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Care (All Ages - Initial & Ongoing): Providing primary care support for individuals and families navigating ADHD, helping to optimize function, manage symptoms, and coordinate multidisciplinary care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Howlett. 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. Laura Michelle Howlett'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. Howlett frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Howlett about a follow-up appointment to manage their diabetes, review their blood sugar log, and adjust their medications if needed is to achieve 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. Howlett. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with feeling mentally clear, exceptionally sharp, highly focused, and consistently productive throughout their demanding workday, during important decision-making processes, or when engaged in complex cognitive tasks.
• With Dr. Howlett's care, managing needing a physician's signature for a disability parking permit application aims for obtaining clear, concise, and actionable guidance from Dr. Howlett on when it's appropriate to seek urgent versus routine medical attention for various common symptoms, promoting appropriate health service utilization, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like 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.
• Dr. Howlett understands the impact of wanting to get a baseline ECG because of family heart history before starting a new exercise program. That's why treatment is geared towards feeling significantly less isolated, better understood, and more adequately supported in managing a rare, complex, or poorly understood health condition due to Dr. Howlett's unwavering commitment to their comprehensive care and willingness to learn alongside them, helping patients get back to effectively and efficiently managing demanding professional work responsibilities, complex household tasks, and personal projects without undue physical fatigue, mental fog, or chronic pain limitations with greater ease.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Howlett, 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. Howlett's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Oliver, situated in a family medical practice in the central Oliver neighborhood of Oliver. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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 British Columbia 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 yield results. It's important to be patient, as it may take time to find a suitable doctor.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Howlett?

With Dr. Howlett, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations, screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Howlett works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

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. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures 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.

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. Howlett during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(250) 492-4000] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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 the 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 British Columbia website, may be helpful in your search. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

Family doctors like Dr. Howlett are integral to supporting patients' mental health. She can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Howlett.

Does Dr. Howlett at your clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Howlett 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. Howlett 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.

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 or travel medicine consultations, 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.

911 McKinney Rd, RR 3, South Okanagan General Hospital
Oliver, BC, V0H 1T3

Phone: (250) 492-4000

Dr. Laura Michelle Howlett 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: 58112

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/359064/Howlett%2CLaura

Family doctors like Dr. Howlett 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.