About
Dr. Michael Ivan Berman, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Nanaimo, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to high standards of clinical quality and patient-centered care. His practice adheres strictly to the guidelines and standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that all care provided meets provincial regulatory requirements. Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice in internal medicine, with a focus on complex adult and senior health issues.
Dr. Berman graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Cape Town in 1985, South Africa. He has completed extensive postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatric medicine, earning relevant certifications and accreditations to enhance his expertise. His training emphasizes a comprehensive approach to adult health, with a particular focus on aging-related conditions and multisystem diseases.
His clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based and informative practice, aiming to provide thorough, compassionate, and effective medical care. Dr. Berman is dedicated to serving the Nanaimo community and speaks English and Afrikaans fluently. He is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards of medical practice to benefit his patients’ health and well-being.
Dr. Berman provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
Dr. Berman manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Berman. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Berman's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).
Dr. Berman's practice is situated in central Nanaimo, in the Departure Bay neighborhood, offering convenient access for patients living in the region. The clinic is near major shopping centers such as Woodgrove Centre Mall and Nanaimo North Town Centre, making it easy for patients to combine their appointments with other errands. The location is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring accessible transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Berman? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Berman are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.
- Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?
- A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Berman. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.
- Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?
- Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.
- Does Dr. Berman discuss goals of care or advance care planning?
- Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Berman encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. He can provide information and facilitate these discussions.
- What are typical wait times for an appointment?
- Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Berman's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.
- Is Dr. Berman affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Berman may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at local hospitals in Nanaimo. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Berman as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.
204, 1515 Dufferin Cres, Cardiology on the move Diagnostics
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5H6
Phone: (778) 841-0125 | Fax: (250) 729-2674
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Berman is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338679/Berman%2CMichael