Dr. Paul John Winwood – Gastroenterologist | Prince George, BC

Dr. Paul John Winwood 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 Winwood Paul Dr in Prince George, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medical attention.

He graduated with a MB BS from the University of London in the United Kingdom and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist. In addition, Dr. Winwood holds certifications including those recognized by the College Registration Committee, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, affirming his expertise and commitment to excellence in digestive health care.

Dr. Winwood's clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based practice, patient education, and early, accurate diagnosis through advanced procedures. He is dedicated to developing personalized treatment plans to optimize patient outcomes and strives to provide compassionate, patient-centered care in English to residents of Prince George and surrounding areas.

Dr. Paul Winwood diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:

Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders

• 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.
• Colorectal Polyps (Adenomatous, Serrated) & Colorectal Cancer Prevention/Screening: Abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can be precursors to colorectal cancer. Screening (e.g., colonoscopy, FIT) is vital for removal of polyps, prevention, and early detection of cancer.

Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Duct & Pancreatic Disorders

• Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD): Liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, ranging from fatty liver and alcoholic hepatitis to advanced cirrhosis.
• Gallstone Disease (Cholelithiasis), Cholecystitis & Choledocholithiasis: Formation of hardened deposits (gallstones) in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis is gallbladder inflammation. Choledocholithiasis refers to gallstones in the common bile duct.
• Chronic Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis B, C, D): Long-term viral infections that cause inflammation and damage to the liver, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if untreated.

Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders

• Functional Dyspepsia & Epigastric Pain Syndrome: Persistent or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or specifically in the epigastric region, without an identifiable structural cause after investigation.
• 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.

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

• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with Biopsy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) using a flexible sigmoidoscope, often for evaluation of rectal bleeding, diarrhea, or as part of some screening protocols.
• 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.
• Capsule Endoscopy (Small Bowel & Colon): Non-invasive procedure where the patient swallows a vitamin-pill sized camera that takes pictures of the small intestine (for obscure GI bleeding, Crohn's disease) or colon (as an alternative to colonoscopy in select cases).
• Second Opinion Consultations for Complex Digestive Diseases: Providing expert second opinions on challenging or rare gastrointestinal diagnoses, unclear test results, and proposed complex treatment plans, including for IBD, liver disease, and pancreatic disorders.
• Personalized Nutritional Assessment & Medical Dietary Therapy for GI Conditions: Evaluation of nutritional status and provision of evidence-based dietary advice and medical nutrition therapy tailored to specific gastrointestinal disorders like IBD, IBS, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis, gastroparesis, or food intolerances, often in collaboration with registered dietitians.
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Winwood 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.

Winwood Paul Dr practices in the Downtown Prince George neighborhood of Prince George, BC, situated in the central part of the city. The location is conveniently accessible from nearby Industrial and Commercial areas, making it ideal for patients attending appointments. Public transportation is readily available through the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit), providing easy access for those using buses. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for patients with mobility challenges. Parking is available at or near the facility, facilitating convenient arrival and departure for all patients.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Winwood, 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. Winwood'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. Winwood, 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. Winwood 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. Winwood typically performs?

Gastroenterologists like Dr. Winwood 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 exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Winwood 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. Winwood 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.

What are common reasons someone would be referred to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. {provider_name_doctor_last}?

Referral to a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Dr. Winwood 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.

Winwood Paul Dr
1569 6th Ave, Cottage Clinic
Prince George, BC V2L 3N4

Phone: (250) 562-8002 | Fax: (250) 562-8004

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Winwood 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. Winwood 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/333453/Winwood%2CPaul