Dr. Monica Mirela Rusu – Family Doctor | Maple Ridge, BC

Dr. Monica Mirela Rusu is a Family Doctor. Practicing at Newport Family Practice - Dr Anna Chodyra & Dr Monica Rusu in Maple Ridge, BC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine.

Dr. Rusu's role focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Dr. Monica Mirela Rusu completed her MD (Universitatea de Medicina Si Farmacie 'Iuliu Hatieganu', 1995). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice and holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Romanian.

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

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Prompt primary care for bacterial skin infections to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. Severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis may require hospital admission for IV antibiotics.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Diagnosing and managing common viral skin infections. This includes common/plantar warts and molluscum contagiosum (observation, cryotherapy, topical agents like salicylic acid or cantharidin). For Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV - cold sores/fever blisters, genital herpes): antiviral therapy (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) for acute outbreaks or suppressive therapy for frequent recurrences, plus counseling on transmission. For Herpes Zoster (Shingles): prompt antiviral therapy to reduce severity/duration and risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), along with pain management. Shingles vaccination advice for eligible adults.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Confirmation of eradication testing post-treatment to ensure successful clearance of the infection and reduce risks of H. pylori-related gastroduodenal diseases.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Investigating causes of anemia (e.g., symptoms like fatigue, pallor, dyspnea on exertion, dizziness, palpitations, restless legs) through thorough history (diet, medications, menstrual history, GI symptoms), physical examination, and targeted blood tests (Complete Blood Count - CBC with differential and red cell indices, iron studies including ferritin, serum vitamin B12, serum folate, reticulocyte count, LDH, bilirubin if hemolysis suspected).
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Management includes advising on leg elevation, regular exercise (calf muscle pump activation), weight management, avoidance of prolonged standing/sitting, and recommending/prescribing appropriately fitted graduated compression stockings. Patient education on skin care to prevent venous ulcers.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Helping you live well with diabetes by providing ongoing education, support for self-management behaviors, access to diabetes education programs, and strategies to prevent or delay long-term complications, empowering you to take control of your health.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Individualized, evidence-based care plans for individuals living with hypertension, focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment for optimal cardiovascular health.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Screening, diagnosis, and management of abnormal lipid profiles (high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides) through lifestyle modifications (heart-healthy diet, physical activity, weight management) and, when indicated, prescription of lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors) based on cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Physical, Mental, Sexual Health, Lifestyle, Substance Use): Supporting the unique physical, emotional, and social health needs of adolescents during this critical period of rapid development, fostering autonomy, responsible decision-making, and a positive transition to adulthood.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including education on inhaler/spacer technique, trigger avoidance, development of personalized asthma action plans for home and school), eczema (atopic dermatitis - focusing on skincare, emollients, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, trigger management), and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Includes initial assessment and guidance for food allergies, with referral to pediatric allergists for confirmation and comprehensive management if indicated.
• 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.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): Providing initial guidance and evidence-based parenting strategies, and coordinating timely referrals to appropriate pediatric specialists (e.g., developmental pediatricians, child psychologists/psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists) if further evaluation, diagnosis, or specialized intervention is indicated.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children and adolescents, such as ear infections (otitis media), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), common colds, influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-mouth disease, gastroenteritis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
• Weight Management & Healthy Weight Strategies: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through evidence-based, non-stigmatizing approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits and overall well-being rather than restrictive dieting.
• 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.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Performing initial screening and assessment for parental or school concerns regarding developmental delays (speech, motor, cognitive), behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, sleep problems, anxiety), ADHD symptoms, or learning difficulties. Includes providing initial guidance and coordinating timely referrals to pediatric specialists if further evaluation or intervention is needed.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Comprehensive, ongoing management of type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes, including regular monitoring (A1c, blood glucose, complication screening), medication adjustment (oral agents, insulin, other injectables), and extensive lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, foot care).

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Rusu. 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 Newport Family Practice - Dr Anna Chodyra & Dr Monica Rusu, 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. Rusu frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If pain, numbness, or tingling in their hands or wrists that might be carpal tunnel syndrome from computer work is preventing you from participating fully, actively, and joyfully in all extended family activities, special gatherings, milestone celebrations, and holiday traditions, Dr. Rusu can help. The aim is to achieve having their children's physical growth parameters, crucial cognitive and language development, and social-emotional well-being consistently and meticulously monitored by Dr. Rusu during regular well-child visits, with any emerging concerns or developmental deviations addressed promptly, appropriately, and effectively through personalized family medicine care.
• Patients experiencing a follow-up visit after being discharged from the hospital for an illness or surgery to ensure recovery is on track often seek Dr. Rusu's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is developing a deeply trusted, respectful, and enduring long-term therapeutic relationship with their dedicated and accessible primary care physician, Dr. Rusu, built on open communication and mutual respect, supporting their return to activities like consistently maintaining a regular, enjoyable, and suitably challenging active lifestyle through various forms of exercise, preferred team or individual sports, invigorating outdoor adventures, or mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi.
• Patients with managing ongoing pain from an old sports injury or a chronic condition like arthritis that limits their activities can find relief and achieve their adolescent child receiving confidential, empathetic, respectful, and age-appropriate holistic care from Dr. Rusu for sensitive health topics including sexual health, mental well-being, body image, or substance use concerns under Dr. Rusu's care, often allowing them to resume significantly reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of sick days from common illnesses for themselves and their children, leading to better attendance at work/school, improved overall productivity, and less household disruption without former limitations.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Rusu, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Rusu practices at Newport Family Practice - Dr Anna Chodyra & Dr Monica Rusu, located in the Central Maple Ridge, Haney neighborhood of Maple Ridge. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Maple Ridge (Haney) and is accessible via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

Your family doctor (BC) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

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 that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website or your local health authority may be helpful in your search. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

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 or travel medicine consultations, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Newport Family Practice - Dr Anna Chodyra & Dr Monica Rusu if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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

Finding a family doctor in BC who is accepting new patients can take time and effort. You can check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website for a "Find a Doctor" tool, contact local community health centres, or ask friends and family for recommendations. It's a good idea to contact clinics directly to inquire about their new patient policies.

Newport Family Practice - Dr Anna Chodyra & Dr Monica Rusu
121-11900 Haney Pl, Ridge Meadows Wellness Centre
Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 8R9

Phone: (604) 476-4650 | Website: http://www.newportdoctors.ca/

Dr. Monica Mirela Rusu 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: 66330

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332603/Rusu%2CMonica

Family doctors like Dr. Rusu 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.