Description
Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing is a dedicated family doctor in Comox, BC, providing thorough care to patients of all ages. With a strong foundation in family medicine, she has a solid education and professional development, stays current with the latest research and guidelines, and is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Her expertise spans preventive care to acute illness diagnosis and treatment, women's health, pediatrics, and geriatrics. She takes a holistic approach, considering physical, emotional, and social aspects of each patient's life, and develops personalized care plans addressing unique needs and goals. Learn more about her approach and services.
Profile Highlights
- Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing is a family doctor in Comox, BC, with a strong foundation in family medicine and expertise in various areas.
- She provides patient-centered care, integrating exhaustive knowledge of family medicine into every patient encounter, prioritizing individual needs and promoting collaborative decision-making.
- Dr. Houwing offers personalized health and wellness solutions, recognizing every individual's unique health journey and adopting a holistic approach to consider physical, emotional, and social aspects of a patient's life.
- Her office is located in the heart of Comox, BC, with flexible hours, modern amenities, and wheelchair accessibility to accommodate patients' needs.
Dr. Houwing's Medical Background
Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing, a dedicated family doctor, brings a wealth of medical knowledge and expertise to her practice, having earned her medical degree from the prestigious University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
Her medical school education provided a solid foundation in the principles of medicine, which she has built upon through continuous learning and professional development.
As an endorsement to her commitment to staying current in her field, Dr. Houwing holds active memberships in several professional organizations.
These memberships not only demonstrate her dedication to the medical community but also provide her with access to the latest research, guidelines, and best practices in family medicine.
By staying engaged with her peers and the broader medical community, Dr. Houwing is able to provide her patients with the most up-to-date and evidence-based care possible.
Her strong medical background and ongoing professional development enable her to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to her community in Comox, BC.
Family Medicine Expertise
With a strong foundation in family medicine, Dr. Houwing's expertise spans a broad range of healthcare services, from preventive care and chronic disease management to acute illness diagnosis and treatment.
Her thorough approach considers the complex interplay of family dynamics, recognizing that each individual's health is influenced by their relationships and environment.
Dr. Houwing stays abreast of medical innovations, incorporating evidence-based practices into her care to guarantee patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments.
Her expertise extends to women's health, pediatrics, and geriatrics, making her a trusted resource for families across the lifespan.
Dr. Houwing's proficiency in managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, enables her to develop personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
Approach to Patient Care
By integrating her exhaustive knowledge of family medicine into every patient encounter, Dr. Houwing fosters a personalized approach to care that prioritizes individual needs and promotes collaborative decision-making.
This holistic approach considers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of each patient's life, allowing Dr. Houwing to develop thorough treatment plans that address the unique circumstances of each individual.
Some key aspects of Dr. Houwing's approach to patient care include:
Patient-centered care: Dr. Houwing believes that patients should be active participants in their healthcare journey, and she encourages them to take an empowered role in making informed decisions about their care.
Holistic treatment plans: By considering the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, Dr. Houwing develops treatment plans that address the whole person, not just their symptoms.
Open communication: Dr. Houwing values transparency and open communication, ensuring that patients are fully informed about their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.
Cultural sensitivity: Dr. Houwing is sensitive to the cultural nuances that can impact health outcomes and tailors her care to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Continuous learning: Dr. Houwing stays up-to-date with the latest medical research and guidelines, ensuring that her patients receive evidence-based care that aligns with best practices.
Building Trust With Patients
Establishing trust is a cornerstone of effective patient care, as it enables individuals to feel comfortable sharing their health concerns and adhering to treatment plans.
Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing, a family doctor in Comox, BC, understands the significance of building trust with her patients. To achieve this, she employs active listening skills, giving her undivided attention to each patient's unique needs and concerns.
By doing so, she creates a safe and non-judgmental environment, allowing patients to openly discuss their health issues.
Empathy building is another crucial aspect of Dr. Houwing's approach. She takes the time to understand her patients' perspectives, acknowledging their emotions and validating their experiences.
This empathetic approach helps patients feel heard, understood, and valued, ultimately fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship.
By combining active listening and empathy building, Dr. Houwing establishes a foundation of trust, enabling her patients to feel confident in her care and more likely to adhere to treatment plans.
This trust-based approach is essential in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, and Dr. Houwing is committed to upholding this standard in her practice.
Personalized Health Plans
Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing's commitment to personalized health plans stems from her understanding that every individual's health journey is unique, influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
This recognition prompts her to adopt a holistic approach, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of a patient's life.
By doing so, Dr. Houwing creates customized solutions tailored to each patient's specific needs and goals.
Some key aspects of Dr. Houwing's personalized health plans include:
- Thorough assessments of patients' medical histories, lifestyle, and health objectives
- Development of tailored treatment plans that address the root causes of health issues
- Integration of conventional and alternative therapies to promote exhaustive well-being
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to guarantee patients stay on track with their health goals
Comox Community Involvement
Comox Valley's vibrant community benefits from Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing's dedication to fostering collaborative relationships with local healthcare providers, organizations, and initiatives.
Her commitment to community involvement is evident in her support for various Comox charities, which focus on improving the health and well-being of residents.
Dr. Houwing believes that a strong, connected community is essential for promoting overall health and wellness.
Through local volunteering, she engages with community members, listens to their concerns, and provides guidance on healthcare matters.
Her involvement in community events and initiatives has helped raise awareness about important health issues, such as chronic disease prevention and mental health support.
By working together with local organizations, Dr. Houwing helps to create a network of care that extends beyond her medical practice.
Her community-centric approach demonstrates her passion for serving others and making a positive impact in the Comox Valley.
Medical Conditions Treated
As a family doctor, Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing's medical expertise spans a broad range of conditions, from acute illnesses to chronic disease management, allowing her to provide thorough care to her patients.
Her extensive knowledge enables her to diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including common illnesses and rare disorders.
Some examples of medical conditions treated by Dr. Houwing include:
Common cold and flu
Dr. Houwing provides personalized treatment plans to help alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
Chronic conditions
She offers ongoing care and management for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Mental health
Dr. Houwing is experienced in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Skin conditions
She treats a range of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and skin infections.
Rare disorders
Dr. Houwing has a strong foundation in diagnosing and managing rare and complex conditions, ensuring her patients receive exhaustive care.
Preventative Care Services
Proactive healthcare is a cornerstone of Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing's family medicine practice, where preventative care services play a vital role in maintaining peak wellness and detecting potential health issues early on. By focusing on prevention, Dr. Houwing helps her patients avoid illnesses and detects potential health problems before they become severe.
Preventative care services offered by Dr. Houwing include:
| Service | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Checkups | Thorough health assessments to monitor overall health and detect potential issues | Annually |
| Health Screenings | Tests and examinations to detect health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease | Varies depending on age, health status, and risk factors |
| Vaccinations | Immunizations to protect against infectious diseases, such as flu, pneumonia, and HPV | Varies depending on age, health status, and risk factors |
| Health Education | Guidance on healthy lifestyle choices, such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management | Ongoing |
Chronic Disease Management
Managing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, is a critical aspect of Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing's family medicine practice, where she develops personalized treatment plans to help patients control and manage their conditions effectively.
Dr. Houwing's approach to chronic disease management focuses on disease prevention and health enhancement.
She works closely with her patients to:
- Identify risk factors and implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of disease progression
- Develop personalized treatment plans that take into account each patient's unique needs and health goals
- Monitor and adjust treatment plans regularly to confirm superior health outcomes
- Educate patients on self-management techniques and lifestyle modifications to improve overall health and well-being
Health Education and Resources
Dr. Marlies Martje Houwing recognizes the importance of empowering patients with knowledge and resources, and consequently, provides exhaustive health education and access to reliable resources to facilitate informed decision-making and peak health outcomes.
By fostering health literacy, Dr. Houwing enables patients to take an active role in their care, making informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
This is achieved through personalized health education sessions, where patients receive clear and concise information about their condition, treatment options, and preventive measures.
Dr. Houwing also provides access to credible medical journals and reputable online resources, guaranteeing patients have access to evidence-based information.
This thorough approach to health education enables patients to navigate the complex healthcare system with confidence, reducing anxiety and uncertainty.
By staying up-to-date with the latest medical research and guidelines, Dr. Houwing verifies that her patients receive the most effective and innovative care possible.
Through her commitment to health education and resource provision, Dr. Houwing demonstrates her dedication to delivering exceptional patient care and promoting superior health outcomes.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Numerous patients have shared their heartfelt stories and experiences, praising Dr. Houwing's compassionate approach, attentiveness, and exceptional care. Her dedication to providing personalized attention has earned her a reputation as a trusted family doctor in Comox, BC.
Many patients have expressed gratitude for Dr. Houwing's willingness to listen and address their concerns, often going above and beyond to guarantee they receive the best possible care.
Online feedback highlights Dr. Houwing's ability to explain complex medical information in a clear and concise manner, making patients feel empowered and informed about their health.
Positive experiences shared by patients often mention Dr. Houwing's kindness, empathy, and genuine interest in their well-being, creating a sense of comfort and trust.
Patients appreciate Dr. Houwing's commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest medical advancements, certifying they receive evidence-based care tailored to their unique needs.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback is a tribute to Dr. Houwing's exceptional bedside manner and her passion for delivering high-quality patient care.
Office Location and Hours
Conveniently located in the heart of Comox, BC, Dr. Houwing's office is easily accessible and offers flexible hours to accommodate the diverse needs of her patients.
The office is situated in a quiet and peaceful area, providing a calming atmosphere for patients seeking medical care. The office amenities are modern and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and clean environment for all visitors.
Dr. Houwing's office is open from Monday to Friday, with extended hours on weekdays to cater to patients with varying schedules.
Patients can schedule appointments during the morning or afternoon, depending on their preference. The office also offers same-day appointments for urgent medical concerns, ensuring timely care and attention.
Parking options are plentiful, with ample parking spaces available adjacent to the office building.
The office is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring equal access for patients with mobility impairments.
With its central location, modern amenities, and flexible hours, Dr. Houwing's office is an ideal choice for patients seeking quality medical care in Comox, BC.
New Patient Information
Prior to their initial appointment, new patients are encouraged to review and complete the necessary paperwork to streamline their visit and guarantee a thorough examination with Dr. Houwing. This certifies that Dr. Houwing has an in-depth understanding of each patient's medical history, enabling her to provide the most effective care possible.
New patients can access and complete the following forms prior to their appointment:
- New patient forms: Please download and complete these forms to provide essential information about your medical history, allergies, and medications.
- Medical history review: Take a few minutes to review your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations, as well as any current medical conditions.
- List of medications: Please bring an updated list of your current medications, dosages, and frequencies.
- Allergy information: Inform us of any allergies or sensitivities you may have, including food, environmental, or medication allergies.
Booking an Appointment
After completing the necessary paperwork, patients can proceed to book an appointment with Dr. Houwing, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience at her office.
Dr. Houwing's office utilizes a modern scheduling system to minimize wait times and accommodate patients' busy schedules. Patients can choose from a variety of appointment types, including routine check-ups, follow-ups, and urgent care visits.
When booking an appointment, patients can expect a prompt and courteous response from Dr. Houwing's staff.
The office aims to provide flexible scheduling options, including early morning and evening appointments, to cater to patients' unique needs.
To reduce wait times, Dr. Houwing's office encourages patients to arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Accept Walk-In Appointments or Only Scheduled Visits?
We understand the importance of timely care; thus, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate both scheduled visits and walk-in appointments, prioritizing urgent needs while maintaining efficient wait times for all patients.
Are Electronic Medical Records Shared With Other Healthcare Providers?
Electronic medical records are shared with other healthcare providers with utmost care, ensuring data security and upholding medical confidentiality, allowing for seamless care coordination while protecting patients' sensitive information.
Can I Request a Same-Day Appointment for Urgent Concerns?
For urgent concerns, patients can request a same-day appointment to receive immediate attention. This guarantees timely access to urgent care, allowing healthcare providers to address pressing health issues promptly and efficiently.
Do You Offer Language Services for Non-English Speaking Patients?
To address language barriers and cultural nuances, many healthcare providers offer language services for non-English speaking patients, ensuring equal access to care and facilitating effective communication.
Are There Any Fees Associated With Missed or Cancelled Appointments?
To maintain clinic efficiency, late notices and cancellation policies are in place to minimize disruptions. A fee may be applied for missed or cancelled appointments without sufficient notice to guarantee fair access for all patients.