Dr. Nadia Souhalya Fairbairn – Internist / Geriatrician | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Nadia Souhalya Fairbairn is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and personalized care. Dr. Fairbairn's role emphasizes addressing the unique health needs of adult patients, including older adults and seniors, fostering a trusting relationship built on compassion and clinical excellence.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Ottawa in 2011.0 (Canada), and has completed relevant postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include board certification in internal medicine and specialized training in geriatric care, enabling her to manage a broad spectrum of adult health issues with expertise and confidence.

Dr. Fairbairn’s clinical philosophy is centered around a warm, community-oriented approach. She is committed to building meaningful relationships with her patients and their families, emphasizing open communication and holistic care. Fluent in English, she strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all patients in Vancouver’s diverse community.

Dr. Fairbairn 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.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common 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.

Dr. Fairbairn 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.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• 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. Fairbairn. 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. Fairbairn's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician.

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. Fairbairn’s practice is located in Vancouver’s vibrant Yaletown, within the Downtown South neighborhood of the city. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Brittania Community Centre, making it accessible for patients from various parts of Vancouver. Patients can easily reach the clinic via TransLink’s SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), as well as by bus, SeaBus, or West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, and additional metered street parking options are nearby for patient convenience.

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

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

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

How does Dr. Nadia Souhalya Fairbairn communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Fairbairn will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

552 1081 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 682-2344 | Fax: (604) 806-9467

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Fairbairn 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/335597/Fairbairn%2CNadia