Dr. Matthew Spencer Dykstra

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

Pediatric Common Issues

• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Performing routine developmental surveillance and targeted screening (e.g., using Ages & Stages Questionnaires - ASQ) when parents or educators raise concerns regarding potential developmental delays (in speech/language, gross/fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, social-emotional development). Offering initial assessment and guidance for common behavioral issues (e.g., significant tantrums, sleep problems, childhood anxiety, aggression), symptoms suggestive of ADHD, or learning difficulties.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.
• Common Childhood Infections (Viral & Bacterial - Ear, Throat, Chest, Skin, GI): Expert management of a wide spectrum of acute illnesses affecting infants, toddlers, and school-aged children, including clear guidance for parents on home care, symptom relief, and when to seek urgent re-assessment.

Common Acute Conditions

• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
• 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): Diagnosis and management of common viral and bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, sinuses, and larynx (e.g., common cold, influenza, acute sinusitis, strep throat, laryngitis), helping to relieve symptoms like cough, congestion, fever, and sore throat.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Helping individuals navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depressive symptoms, aiming to restore emotional well-being, daily functioning, and prevent relapse.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Helping individuals build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms (e.g., problem-solving, relaxation techniques, mindfulness), and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.

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

• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: Diagnosing and treating common causes of acute digestive upset, and offering supportive care to prevent complications.
• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Diagnosis and treatment of common superficial infections like tinea (ringworm, athlete's foot), candidiasis, warts (cryotherapy, topical agents), molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster (shingles), impetigo, and folliculitis, using appropriate topical or oral antifungal, antiviral, or antibacterial medications.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Coordinated management of diverse chronic illnesses within a primary care setting.
• Insomnia & Sleep Disorder Management (Primary Care Approach): Helping you identify factors contributing to poor sleep and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime functioning.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Stress): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, weight management, mood regulation, and longevity.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dykstra. 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. Matthew Spencer Dykstra'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. Dykstra frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients often come to Dr. Dykstra regarding their baby needing their scheduled well-baby visit to check growth and get their important vaccinations. Working together, they aim for receiving compassionate, understanding, and effective support and strategies from Dr. Dykstra for managing a spectrum of mental health challenges including persistent anxiety, significant depression, debilitating grief, overwhelming life stress, or initial symptoms of more complex psychiatric conditions, making a return to passionately playing their favorite competitive or recreational sport – be it soccer on weekends, league hockey, a round of golf, a tennis match, or pickup basketball – regularly, skillfully, and without the constant dread of debilitating pain, flare-ups, or fear of re-injury feasible.
• A key objective when treating experiencing bothersome symptoms of menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings at Dr. Dykstra's clinic is ensuring their children, from infancy through adolescence, received the complete schedule of timely and appropriate immunizations, effectively protecting them from a wide range of preventable and potentially serious childhood diseases, supporting a comfortable return to successfully maintaining a clean, organized, and uncluttered living space that actively contributes to their sense of calm, mental clarity, physical safety, and overall feelings of well-being at home.
• Many seek Dr. Dykstra's help for needing a doctor's note for work or school due to a recent illness or injury. The collaborative goal is their legitimate concerns about potential medication side effects or adverse drug reactions being taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by Dr. Dykstra, often leading to helpful and safe adjustments in their prescribed treatment plan, allowing a return to valued activities like successfully and relatively stress-free managing daily commutes on often crowded or unpredictable public transport systems or by car in heavy traffic without significant exacerbation of physical pain or anxiety symptoms.

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

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.

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

A family doctor (British Columbia) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. He is 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.

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. You may find it helpful to check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website or contact local community health centres. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC who is accepting new patients?

You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, which often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor may take time and effort.

3842 3rd Ave, Unit B, Valley Health Centre
Smithers, BC, V0J 2N0

Phone: (250) 847-2616

Dr. Matthew Spencer Dykstra 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: 62296

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/334851/Dykstra%2CMatthew

Family doctors like Dr. Dykstra 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.