Dr. Lincoln Basil James Foerster

Dr. Lincoln Basil James Foerster 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

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Personalized treatment plans for managing elevated lipid levels, incorporating regular monitoring, patient education, and strategies for long-term cardiovascular disease prevention.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Early detection, monitoring of kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), management of risk factors that can worsen CKD (especially diabetes and hypertension), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, lifestyle counseling (dietary advice on protein, sodium, potassium), and timely referrals to nephrology for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Managing all aspects of type 2 diabetes and prediabetes with personalized treatment plans. This includes regular blood sugar monitoring (self-monitoring, A1c, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) discussion), prescription and adjustment of medications (oral hypoglycemics, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, insulin), comprehensive diet and exercise counseling, and proactive screening and management of diabetes-related complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, foot problems, cardiovascular disease).

Mental Health Concerns

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Conducting initial assessments and ongoing management for ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults, using validated screening tools and collateral information (from parents, teachers). Providing psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, academic/workplace accommodation discussions, evidence-based medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases, diagnostic confirmation, or co-occurring conditions.

Preventative Health Topics

• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Administering vaccinations to prevent communicable diseases and playing a role in community-level surveillance and reporting as required by public health authorities.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: A holistic approach to primary care that considers the broader social context of health and aims to reduce barriers to care and well-being by addressing SDOH.

Common Acute Conditions

• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Addressing sudden onset skin problems, providing effective treatment, advising on skin care and hygiene to promote healing, and identifying potential triggers for allergic or irritant conditions.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Care for acute respiratory illnesses, including advice on symptom management, appropriate use of antibiotics (only if bacterial infection is confirmed or highly suspected), and guidance on when to seek further medical attention for complications.
• 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.

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

• Evaluation of Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains): Providing initial care for recent musculoskeletal trauma to support healing, reduce inflammation, and facilitate a safe return to activity.
• 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.
• Referrals to Medical Specialists, Subspecialists & Specialized Programs: Connecting you with the most suitable medical experts and services for further investigation, management, or treatment of complex or specific conditions, ensuring clear communication of referral reasons and relevant history.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Helping individuals understand and cope with chronic pain, aiming to improve daily function, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
• Primary Care for Overuse & Repetitive Strain Injuries: Diagnosing and managing conditions resulting from repetitive stress or overuse, such as tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy), plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (initial management).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Foerster. 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. Lincoln Basil James Foerster'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. Foerster frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Overcoming or managing needing a refill for their regular medications for an ongoing condition like high blood pressure or thyroid issues is a common patient journey at Dr. Foerster's practice. The focus is on enabling receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Foerster when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, so that engaging in thoughtfully and proactively planning for their long-term future, including considerations for retirement, potential changes in living arrangements, or other significant life transitions, with a strong sense of health security and financial preparedness becomes a reality again.
• Dr. Foerster often sees patients whose their elderly parent needing a review of their multiple medications to check for interactions and ensure they're all still necessary limits their enjoyment of feeling notably resilient and physically capable enough to bounce back relatively quickly and completely from minor common illnesses, temporary setbacks, or periods of increased stress without prolonged disruption to their normal life. The goal of care is to achieve achieving substantially better and more integrated management of their multiple co-existing chronic conditions (multimorbidity) through the highly coordinated, holistic, and patient-centered approach to care championed by Dr. Foerster and restore their active lifestyle.
• A key objective when treating needing a physician's signature for a disability parking permit application at Dr. Foerster's clinic is experiencing fewer and less severe complications from a chronic underlying illness (like heart failure or chronic kidney disease) due to Dr. Foerster's diligent, guideline-based monitoring and timely therapeutic adjustments, supporting a comfortable return to patiently and effectively teaching their children or grandchildren important life skills, sharing enjoyable intergenerational activities, or simply offering wise guidance and loving support as they grow.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Foerster, 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. Foerster's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Tofino, situated in a family medical practice in the central Tofino neighborhood of Tofino. 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.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

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. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia website may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

What happens if Dr. Foerster determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Foerster believes you need to see a specialist, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will send the necessary information to the specialist, and you will be contacted to schedule your appointment. Specialist wait times can be long, so Dr. Foerster will continue to manage your care in the meantime.

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. You can check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia website for a "Find a Doctor" tool or list. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly.

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 health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and may have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

261 Neill St
Tofino, BC, V0R 2Z0

Phone: (250) 725-4010

Dr. Lincoln Basil James Foerster 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: 62334

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/344188/Foerster%2CLincoln

Family doctors like Dr. Foerster 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.