Dr. Nathaniel Winata – Family Doctor | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Nathaniel Winata is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Vancouver, BC, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He 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. His focus is 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. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Nathaniel Winata completed his MD (University of Toronto, 2012). He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services; a dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion, aiming to identify risks early and support patients in maintaining long-term wellness; fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home. He is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

Preventative Health Topics

• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection - Testing & Eradication Therapy: Testing for Helicobacter pylori infection in appropriate clinical contexts (e.g., patients with peptic ulcer disease, certain types of gastritis, dyspepsia in high-prevalence areas, or family history of gastric cancer) using non-invasive methods like urea breath test, stool antigen test, or serology (less reliable for active infection).
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Assessing and managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men commonly due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), weak or intermittent stream, hesitancy, straining, and incomplete bladder emptying. Assessment involves history, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size/consistency, urinalysis to rule out UTI, and serum PSA discussion (for prostate cancer screening context).
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Providing initial management strategies for RLS, including lifestyle modifications (e.g., regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine/alcohol close to bedtime), checking and correcting iron deficiency (ferritin levels), and considering pharmacological options (e.g., dopamine agonists like pramipexole/ropinirole, gabapentin enacarbil) for moderate to severe, frequent symptoms that significantly impact sleep or quality of life. Referral to neurology or sleep specialist for complex or refractory cases.

Mental Health Concerns

• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Thoroughly evaluating persistent sleep problems (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, non-restorative sleep), offering education on optimal sleep hygiene, principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or facilitating referrals for it, addressing underlying contributing factors (e.g., anxiety, pain, medications, restless legs syndrome), and judiciously considering short-term medication if necessary.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Infections (Respiratory, Urinary, Skin, GI): Providing timely medical care for a wide range of infections, including diagnosis, appropriate treatment (e.g., antibiotics when indicated by bacterial infection), and advice for symptom relief and recovery.
• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Utilizing appropriate diagnostic investigations judiciously to ensure accurate medical assessment, informed decision-making, and efficient use of healthcare resources.
• Comprehensive Periodic Health Exams (Check-ups): Regularly scheduled check-ups to monitor overall health, update immunizations, perform age-appropriate screenings, and provide personalized lifestyle counseling.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: First-line medical assessment for sudden gastrointestinal issues to guide treatment and rule out emergent conditions.
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community immunity.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Winata. 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 Dr. Nathaniel Winata's practice, 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. Winata frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• When wanting to get a baseline ECG because of family heart history before starting a new exercise program impacts daily life, Dr. Winata helps patients strive for seeing profoundly positive and lasting changes in their overall approach to health, preventative self-care, and health-seeking behaviors as a direct and inspiring result of Dr. Winata's ongoing education, consistent encouragement, and positive role modeling, making activities such as possessing the physical stamina and mental resilience to complete a full, demanding day of sightseeing, museum visits, or participation in workshops and conferences while on vacation or during business travel possible again.
• If experiencing frequent or severe headaches or migraines that are disrupting their work and family life is preventing you from fully and enthusiastically engaging in a wide range of desired social activities, valued community events, and spending quality, meaningful time with close friends and loved ones without being frequently limited or sidelined by bothersome or unpredictable health concerns, Dr. Winata can help. The aim is to achieve having all their health-related questions, no matter how complex or basic, answered clearly, patiently, without jargon, and in an easily understandable way by Dr. Winata, fostering a strong sense of health literacy and shared understanding through personalized family medicine care.
• If their child having difficulty with toilet training or experiencing bedwetting beyond a certain age is a barrier, Dr. Winata develops strategies aimed at having their diverse family structure, unique cultural needs, and individual communication preferences consistently understood, acknowledged, and respectfully incorporated into all aspects of their care by Dr. Winata and the entire clinic team, facilitating the ability to enjoy effortlessly keeping up actively and playfully with their energetic young children, adventurous grandchildren, or even active pets, without getting easily winded, overly sore, or needing to sit out frequently.

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

Dr. Winata's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Vancouver, situated in the Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Robson Square and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

Can Dr. Winata help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Winata plays a crucial role in mental healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Winata can provide an initial assessment, offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated, and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care is needed. Dr. Winata can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Winata handle complex care?

As a family doctor, Dr. Winata is specifically trained to manage patients with multiple health problems (multimorbidity) and complex care needs. He will take a holistic approach, considering how your various conditions interact and how treatments for one might affect another. Dr. Winata will help prioritize your health concerns, coordinate care with any specialists involved, manage your medications to avoid harmful interactions (polypharmacy review), and develop a comprehensive care plan that aligns with your overall health goals and quality of life. Open communication about all your conditions and concerns is key.

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 be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. It may take time to find a suitable doctor.

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, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

How often should I see Dr. Winata for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups varies based on your age, overall health, existing medical conditions, and risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need less frequent check-ups (e.g., every 2-5 years), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or those with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). Dr. Winata follows established provincial guidelines for specific screening tests. Discuss your individual needs with him to determine the appropriate schedule.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor in BC if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a doctor accepting new patients can be difficult. Provincial resources or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Winata?

Continuity of care means your family doctor, Dr. Winata, sees you regularly. This allows him to become familiar with your medical history and lifestyle, leading to quicker diagnoses, more effective treatment plans, better chronic disease management, and well-coordinated care.

1081 Burrard Street, B512, 5th Floor Burrard Building, John Ruedy Clinic, St. Paul's Hospital, Providence Health Care
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 806-8060

Dr. Nathaniel Winata 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: 67921

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339478/Winata%2CNathaniel

Family doctors like Dr. Winata 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.