Dr. Leanne Marie Zerkee

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

Adult Common Health Issues

• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Primary care support for managing discomfort and preventing complications associated with venous disease. Referral to vascular specialists or phlebologists for more advanced treatments (e.g., sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, surgery) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or complicated by ulceration or recurrent phlebitis.
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Prescribing evidence-based eradication therapy regimens (typically involving a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor - PPI) for confirmed H. pylori infection, according to local guidelines and resistance patterns. Providing patient education on medication adherence and potential side effects.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Assessing and managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men commonly due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), weak or intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining, and incomplete bladder emptying. Assessment involves history, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size/consistency, urinalysis to rule out UTI, and serum PSA discussion (for prostate cancer screening context).

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Prompt primary care for bacterial skin infections to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. Severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis may require hospital admission for IV antibiotics.
• 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.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Diagnosing and providing ongoing treatment for common forms of anemia to maintain energy levels and overall health.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing IBS based on symptom criteria after ruling out other conditions, and providing primary care management strategies including dietary advice (e.g., low FODMAP diet introduction, fiber management), lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and symptomatic treatment for abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Working collaboratively with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and coordination with specialist renal services when appropriate.

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

• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood and adolescent vaccines to protect against serious infectious diseases. Includes catch-up schedules and addressing parental concerns with evidence-based information.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Personalized diabetes care plans focusing on achieving optimal glycemic control, preventing acute and chronic complications (cardiovascular, renal, neurological, ophthalmological), and empowering patient self-management.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Primary care strategies to protect kidney health, including blood pressure control, glycemic control in diabetics, dietary advice (e.g., protein, sodium, potassium considerations), and timely referrals to nephrology.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals, and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary after addressing underlying causes.
• Immunizations & Vaccinations (Infant, Child, Adult, Travel): Administering a full range of routine childhood and adult immunizations, booster shots (e.g., tetanus, pertussis), seasonal flu vaccines, and common travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid) to protect against preventable infectious diseases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Zerkee. 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. Leanne Marie Zerkee'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. Zerkee frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• When a tick bite and concerns about Lyme disease, especially after hiking impacts daily life, Dr. Zerkee helps patients strive for their newborn receiving excellent, thorough initial care, meticulous monitoring for healthy growth and crucial early development, and invaluable support for new parents during the critical and often overwhelming early weeks of life, all from Dr. Zerkee, making activities such as making consistently informed, conscious, and positive decisions about their daily diet, overall nutrition, optimal hydration, and mindful eating habits for sustained energy and peak physical health possible again.
• Dr. Zerkee supports patients through irregular menstrual cycles, very heavy periods, or unusual bleeding that needs checking out, aiming for outcomes like receiving a clear, understandable, and timely diagnosis for their persistent health concern, finally bringing peace of mind and a concrete path forward for treatment or management under Dr. Zerkee's care, so they can return to activities such as feeling confident enough in their stable health and physical abilities to make spontaneous, last-minute plans, embrace unexpected opportunities, or enthusiastically try new, unfamiliar activities or experiences.
• Dr. Zerkee often sees patients whose their teenager expressing concerns about their body image or eating habits limits their enjoyment of 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. The goal of care is to achieve feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Zerkee to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques and restore their active lifestyle.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Zerkee, 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. Zerkee practices at a family medical clinic in Westbank, situated in a family medical practice in central Westbank neighborhood of Westbank. 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.

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. Resources like 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 does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Zerkee?

Preventative care provided by Dr. Zerkee aims to stop health issues from occurring or to catch them at an early, more manageable stage. This includes regular physical exams, vaccinations, screenings for common conditions like certain cancers or heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol), and personalized advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. It’s about being proactive with your health rather than just treating problems as they arise, and Dr. Zerkee can help guide you in these efforts.

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 take time and effort. Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC; they often have a "Find a Doctor" tool or a list of physicians. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Provincial resources may also be available, depending on your region.

How long do appointments with Dr. Zerkee typically last?

The length of an appointment with Dr. Zerkee can vary. Standard appointments for a single issue or a routine follow-up are often scheduled for 10-15 minutes. Appointments for more complex issues, a comprehensive periodic health exam (physical), a 'meet and greet' for new patients, counseling, or a minor procedure will usually be longer, perhaps 20-30 minutes or more. When booking your appointment at the clinic, it's always best to briefly mention the reason for your visit so the staff can allocate the appropriate amount of time with Dr. Zerkee. If you have multiple unrelated issues to discuss, you might be advised to book a longer appointment or separate appointments to ensure each concern is addressed adequately.

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.

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

Absolutely. Dr. Zerkee is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Zerkee is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

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

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. Zerkee's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed. 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. Zerkee, 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.

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

A family doctor (BC) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

#107 3500 Carrington Rd
Westbank, BC, V4T 3C1

Phone: (250) 452-6742

Dr. Leanne Marie Zerkee 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: J3684

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/381271/Zerkee%2CLeanne

Family doctors like Dr. Zerkee 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.