Dr. Miriam Beer Torchinsky – Infectious Disease Specialist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Miriam Beer Torchinsky is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in North Vancouver in North Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). As a Infectious Disease Specialist, she specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment guidelines.

She completed her medical education at Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the City University of New York in 2012. Following medical school, she undertook residency training, typically in Internal Medicine, and then specialized further with a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. Dr. Torchinsky is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. She holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with the highest professional standards.

Dr. Torchinsky's professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. Promoting antimicrobial stewardship is a core part of her approach, aiming to combat antibiotic resistance. She has a particular focus on managing infections in vulnerable populations and complex cases, working collaboratively with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to optimize patient and community health. All patient communication and care are conducted in English, with a strong commitment to patient health and infectious disease management in North Vancouver.

Dr. Miriam Torchinsky provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Torchinsky manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.

• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Close collaboration with oncologists.
• Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Balancing infection treatment with maintaining graft function.
• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Prevention and treatment of bacterial, fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), and viral (e.g., CMV, adenovirus) infections.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Torchinsky manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Investigation for underlying causes may be needed.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Serious infections affecting bones (osteomyelitis) or joints (septic arthritis), often requiring long courses of antibiotics and sometimes surgical intervention.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Torchinsky manages management may involve antiviral medications for specific viruses, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination.

• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Management of infections caused by herpes simplex virus (cold sores, genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox, shingles), cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) management, monitoring for opportunistic infections, and addressing long-term health.
• Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Focus on chronic Hepatitis B and C, utilizing modern antiviral therapies to achieve viral suppression or cure.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Miriam Torchinsky is necessary.

• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Consultation on complex antimicrobial regimens and management of side effects.
• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Guidance on appropriate antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic testing.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Post-travel screening for individuals with relevant exposures or symptoms.
• Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Includes skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and endocarditis.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Torchinsky.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Torchinsky practices at an infectious disease clinic located in North Vancouver, BC. The clinic is situated within a professional medical building near various medical facilities and laboratories, ensuring comprehensive diagnostic and treatment support. Easily accessible via local public transit routes, the clinic offers a discreet and welcoming environment for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. Patients can generally find on-site or nearby public parking, facilitating convenient access for appointments. The clinic is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up, providing a professional setting dedicated to specialized infectious disease care in North Vancouver.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Torchinsky?

For most consultations with Dr. Torchinsky that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 984-3799.

What is Dr. Torchinsky's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Dr. Torchinsky contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. She advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

Dr. Torchinsky, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Torchinsky may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Torchinsky?

Dr. Torchinsky treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Torchinsky?

A consultation with Dr. Torchinsky is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

an infectious disease clinic in North Vancouver
231 15TH St E, Lions Gate Hospital, OCC MDC
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7

Office Phone: (604) 988-3131 | Office Fax: (604) 984-3799

Dr. Torchinsky is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Torchinsky, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Torchinsky's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338400/Torchinsky%2CMiriam