Dr. Patrick John Laing – Gastroenterologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Patrick John Laing is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at a reputable gastroenterology clinic or hospital department in Kelowna, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy techniques. His approach emphasizes patient-centered care within a supportive environment, focusing on individual needs and optimal health outcomes.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (Caribbean) and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. Dr. Laing maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Collège royal des médecins et chirurgiens du Canada), underscoring his commitment to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and continuous professional development.

Driven by a philosophy of evidence-based medicine, Dr. Laing is committed to providing thorough patient education on gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications that support long-term health. He emphasizes early and accurate diagnosis through the use of advanced procedures and develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique clinical situation. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to offering compassionate, comprehensive digestive health care to residents of Kelowna and the surrounding community.

Dr. Patrick Laing diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - All Subtypes (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, IBS-U): A common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine, causing symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or mixed).
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): An abnormal increase in the bacterial population in the small intestine, or an overgrowth of methane-producing archaea, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Obscure & Overt): Bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which can be visible (overt) or hidden (occult/obscure), requiring investigation to identify and treat the source.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Pancreatitis (Acute Recurrent & Chronic): Inflammation of the pancreas that can be sudden and severe (acute), recurrent, or long-lasting (chronic), causing significant abdominal pain and digestive enzyme deficiencies.
• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD): Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, ranging from fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis to advanced cirrhosis.
• Pancreatic Cysts, Tumors & Pancreatic Insufficiency (Evaluation & Co-management): Evaluation of fluid-filled sacs (cysts) or growths (tumors) on or in the pancreas, and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) where the pancreas doesn't produce enough digestive enzymes.

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting for hours or days, with symptom-free intervals in between.
• Rumination Syndrome: A condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then reswallow it or spit it out.
• Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) & Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC): Persistent constipation that does not have an identifiable underlying cause (CIC) or is a side effect of opioid medications (OIC).

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Patrick Laing.

• Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
• Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
• Colonoscopy (Screening, Diagnostic, Surveillance) & Polypectomy: Comprehensive examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a colonoscope to detect and remove precancerous polyps, screen for and diagnose colorectal cancer, evaluate symptoms, and diagnose other colonic conditions like colitis or diverticular disease.
• Comprehensive Gastroenterology Consultation & Digestive Health Assessment: In-depth assessment of digestive system disorders, including detailed review of medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, physical examination, symptom analysis, and development of a personalized diagnostic and treatment strategy.
• Management of Functional Dyspepsia & Functional Abdominal Pain Syndrome: Diagnosis and management of chronic upper abdominal pain or discomfort (dyspepsia) or generalized abdominal pain without an identifiable structural cause, often involving lifestyle, dietary, and neuromodulator therapies.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) - Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Specialized procedure combining upper endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstone removal from bile duct, stent placement for strictures or leaks, and sphincterotomy.
• Diagnosis & Management of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) & Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO): Utilizing glucose or lactulose breath tests for diagnosis and providing targeted antibiotic/antimicrobial therapy, prokinetics, and dietary advice for SIBO and IMO.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Laing for care relevant to your specific condition.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Laing practices at a well-equipped gastroenterology clinic located in the vibrant Central Kelowna area, within the South Pandosy and Downtown neighbourhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near Orchard Park Mall Area and is in close proximity to Mission Creek Regional Park, providing a scenic environment for patients. Accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), the location is easily reachable by public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible and offers paid parking options that are conveniently located nearby, ensuring ease of access for all patients seeking specialized digestive health care.

Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Laing, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Laing's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Laing, a Gastroenterologist?

Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.

What are some common procedures a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing typically performs?

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Laing are highly skilled in performing a range of endoscopic procedures. The most common are upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy to visualize the entire colon. During these procedures, He can take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps (which can prevent colon cancer), dilate narrowed areas (strictures), control bleeding, and place feeding tubes. Other procedures may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower colon), capsule endoscopy (swallowing a tiny camera to see the small intestine), and more specialized interventions like ERCP or EUS depending on their training and practice focus. Many also specialize in managing specific areas like hepatology (liver disease) or IBD.

What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing is common for various reasons, including: persistent heartburn or acid reflux (GERD); difficulty or pain when swallowing; unexplained abdominal pain or bloating; chronic nausea or vomiting; significant changes in bowel habits (e.g., chronic diarrhea, severe constipation); blood in the stool or rectal bleeding; iron deficiency anemia with no obvious cause; suspected or diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis); Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) not responding to initial management; celiac disease; abnormal liver function tests or suspected liver disease (like hepatitis or fatty liver); pancreatitis; or for screening and surveillance colonoscopies to prevent colorectal cancer, especially if there's a family history or personal history of polyps.

How does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing approach the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

The management of IBD (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) by a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing is a highly individualized and long-term process. The primary goals are to induce and then maintain remission (control inflammation), alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the patient's overall quality of life. Treatment strategies often involve a combination of medications, which can include aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), corticosteroids (for acute flare-ups), immunomodulators (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate), and increasingly, biologic therapies or small molecule drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways. Regular monitoring through clinical assessment, blood tests, stool tests (like fecal calprotectin), and endoscopic procedures is crucial to track disease activity and adjust treatment as needed. Nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice are also integral parts of comprehensive IBD care.

What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Laing specialize in?

A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. He is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Laing is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.

564 Leon Ave, Kelowna Gastroenterology Associates
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6J6

Phone: (250) 763-6433 | Fax: (250) 763-3818

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Laing is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Laing for services covered by the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343853/Laing%2CPatrick