Dr. Paul James Dooley – Orthopedic Surgeon | Vernon, BC

Dr. Paul James Dooley is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Dooley Paul Dr in Vernon, BC, Dr. Dooley is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dooley is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in BC. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Dooley is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life through both surgical and non-surgical means. Dr. Dooley serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Paul James Dooley earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Memorial University Of Newfoundland, graduating in 2001. Subsequently, Dr. Dooley completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dooley brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Dooley's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dooley is committed to ongoing professional development and staying at the forefront of orthopedic advancements to offer the best possible care to patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Dooley's surgical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Dooley provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Paul James Dooley diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Treating bone death caused by a loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip, knee, or shoulder, which can lead to joint collapse.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, which may be surgical or non-surgical, are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Dooley, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dooley. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any procedure or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation.

All surgical and non-surgical treatments by Dr. Paul James Dooley adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dooley Paul Dr, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Dooley frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their spine being curved (like scoliosis) at Dr. Dooley's practice is consistently achieving being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding.
• Dr. Dooley's comprehensive care for needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis is meticulously designed to result in improved hand or foot function for daily activities. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work without musculoskeletal worries.
• For those affected by their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around, Dr. Dooley provides solutions that lead to feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to typing, writing, or using tools without hand or wrist pain.

Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Dooley, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Dooley is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Dooley Paul Dr is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Vernon and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dooley?

In British Columbia, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist (e.g., sports medicine physician, rheumatologist) is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dooley for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Dooley has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What should I bring to my orthopedic appointment with Dr. Dooley?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports AND the actual images if on a CD/USB (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – images are very important for orthopedic review), and any pertinent test results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s) (e.g., shorts for a knee problem). If you use any braces, splints, or assistive devices, bring those as well.

How does Dr. Dooley treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Dooley are experts in treating all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and the patient's overall health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and then immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace to allow it to heal. Surgical treatment might be necessary for more complex fractures, open fractures (where the bone breaks the skin), or fractures that are unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, rods, or pins to hold the bone pieces together) or external fixation (using a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Dooley will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Dooley?

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery performed (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement vs. fracture fixation), the specific joint or bone involved, the patient's age and overall health, and their adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may have a recovery of a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months for full recovery and return to all activities. Dr. Dooley will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dooley covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dooley are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging ordered is also usually covered. However, some specific items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with Dooley Paul Dr about any potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dooley do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dooley is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They manage a wide range of conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical methods (like joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (like medication, injections, bracing, or recommending physiotherapy) to treat patients. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Dooley at Dooley Paul Dr?

The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem (e.g., pain, injury, loss of function), how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities and quality of life. Dr. Dooley will review any previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area(s), assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Dooley will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with you to establish goals.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Dooley recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (like the hip, knee, or shoulder) are removed and replaced with artificial components (prostheses) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Dr. Dooley might recommend joint replacement if you have severe joint pain and loss of function, typically due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments (like medication, injections, physiotherapy) are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Dooley Paul Dr
3-4010 27 St
Vernon, BC, V1T 4X7

Phone: (250) 549-3735

Dr. Paul James Dooley is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 29947

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333000/Dooley%2CPaul

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Dooley. Dr. Dooley and the team are dedicated to providing expert orthopedic care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.