Dr. Michelle Venter – Internist / Geriatrician | Terrace, BC

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Michelle Venter serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Terrace, BC, she provides comprehensive care to adults, including older adults and seniors, in accordance with the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her focus includes a broad range of internal medicine services tailored to the unique needs of her patient population.

Dr. Venter graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2007, South Africa. She has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics, ensuring her practice is grounded in current evidence-based medical standards. Her ongoing professional development reflects her commitment to maintaining a high level of clinical expertise.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes an evidence-based and informative approach to patient care. Dr. Venter is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that prioritize patient safety, quality of life, and informed decision-making. She speaks English and Afrikaans fluently, enabling her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient community in Terrace and the surrounding regions.

Dr. Venter provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Dr. Venter 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.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Venter. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Venter'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).

Practicing in Terrace, BC, Dr. Venter's clinic is conveniently situated near the central neighborhood, easily accessible from local points of interest such as the Terrace Community Centre and nearby shopping districts. The clinic can be reached via local public transit, making it accessible for patients across the region. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for those arriving by car.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Venter? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Venter 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. Venter. 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.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Medical Services Plan (MSP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Venter.

What is the appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours' notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.

4720 Haugland Ave, Mills Memorial Hospital
Terrace, BC V8G 2W7

Phone: (250) 635-2211

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Venter 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/376704/Venter%2CMichelle