Dr. Paul William Atkins – Endocrinologist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Paul William Atkins, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. With conditions related to Diabetes & Metabolism, he practices at an endocrinology clinic within a hospital department in North Vancouver, BC. He is a dedicated member of the local medical community, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His practice primarily centers on the comprehensive management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and lipid disorders, ensuring patients receive personalized and effective endocrine care.

Graduating with a Medical Doctorate from the University of Western Ontario in Canada, Dr. Atkins holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus). He maintains key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards of specialist practice and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Atkins’s clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, patient education on managing chronic conditions, and early, accurate diagnosis. He is dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans focused on the long-term well-being of his patients in North Vancouver. He communicates fluently in English and is committed to supporting his patients through compassionate, comprehensive endocrine services.

Dr. Paul Atkins diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM): A progressive condition characterized by insulin resistance (where the body's cells don't respond effectively to insulin) and/or relative insulin deficiency, often linked to genetics, lifestyle factors, and obesity.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar - various causes): Abnormally low blood glucose levels, which can occur as a side effect of diabetes treatment (insulin or certain oral medications), or due to other underlying conditions like insulinoma or adrenal insufficiency.
• Diabetes Complications (Neuropathy, Nephropathy, Retinopathy - endocrine management aspects): Management focused on glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control to prevent or slow the progression of nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye damage associated with diabetes.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• Pituitary Adenomas & Tumors (e.g., Prolactinoma, Non-Functioning Adenoma, GH-secreting/Acromegaly, ACTH-secreting/Cushing's Disease): Mostly benign growths in the pituitary gland that can cause symptoms due to hormone overproduction (e.g., prolactin, growth hormone, ACTH), hormone deficiency (hypopituitarism), or pressure effects on surrounding structures.
• Female Hypogonadism & Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): Conditions involving low estrogen levels in women, leading to symptoms like amenorrhea, infertility, and menopausal symptoms, occurring before the typical age of menopause in POI.
• Diabetes Insipidus (Central or Nephrogenic): A rare disorder characterized by intense thirst and the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, caused by problems with the hormone vasopressin (ADH) or the kidneys' response to it.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Osteopenia (Low Bone Mass): A condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal peak density but not yet low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It indicates an increased risk for developing osteoporosis.
• Disorders of Phosphate Homeostasis (Hypophosphatemia, Hyperphosphatemia): Imbalances in blood phosphate levels, which can be caused by various underlying conditions and affect bone health, muscle function, and energy metabolism.
• Osteoporosis (Postmenopausal, Senile, Glucocorticoid-Induced): A progressive bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass and density, leading to an increased risk of fractures, particularly of the hip, spine, and wrist.

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

• Transitional Care for Young Adults with Chronic Endocrine Conditions: Facilitating the smooth transition of adolescents and young adults with lifelong endocrine disorders (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypopituitarism) from pediatric to adult endocrine care services.
• Expert Second Opinion Consultations for Complex or Rare Endocrine Disorders: Providing specialized second opinions on challenging endocrine diagnoses, interpretation of ambiguous hormone test results, or evaluation of complex or multi-faceted treatment plans.
• Genetic Counseling Coordination & Testing for Hereditary Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes & Familial Disorders: Risk assessment and coordination of genetic testing and counseling for individuals and families with suspected hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes (e.g., Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia - MEN1, MEN2; Von Hippel-Lindau), familial thyroid cancer, or other inherited endocrine conditions.
• Comprehensive Endocrine System Consultation & Hormonal Health Evaluation: In-depth clinical assessment of potential hormonal imbalances and disorders affecting the endocrine glands (e.g., thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas, parathyroid, gonads). Includes detailed medical history, family history review, targeted physical examination, analysis of symptoms, and formulation of a personalized diagnostic and management plan.
• Interpretation of Complex Hormonal Assays, Dynamic Endocrine Function Tests & Genetic Markers: Expert analysis and clinical correlation of specialized blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring various hormone levels. Includes interpretation of dynamic stimulation and suppression tests (e.g., ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression, oral glucose tolerance test for acromegaly) to precisely evaluate endocrine gland function and identify genetic predispositions.
• Inpatient & Outpatient Management of Endocrine Emergencies & Crises: Acute diagnosis and management of potentially life-threatening hormonal imbalances such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS), thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis, severe hypoglycemia, and acute hyper/hypocalcemia, typically initiated in an emergency or hospital setting with ongoing outpatient follow-up.

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

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

Dr. Atkins practices at an endocrinology clinic situated within a hospital department in North Vancouver's areas near central North Vancouver. The facility is conveniently accessible via local public transit, providing easy access for patients from surrounding neighborhoods. The practice is located close to local points of interest, making it a convenient choice for residents. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring easy entry for patients with mobility needs. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Atkins, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Atkins, most standard diagnostic hormone blood tests, dynamic endocrine function tests when indicated, and treatments for provincially insured endocrine conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis management as per guidelines) are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Some newer or specialized medications (e.g., certain advanced diabetes drugs, some growth hormone therapies, specific osteoporosis agents), medical devices (like some insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors and their supplies), or treatments considered primarily for lifestyle or cosmetic reasons may have different coverage criteria or require special authorization. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed investigation or treatment with Dr. Atkins's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Atkins, an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus)?

Yes, for services covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, pediatrician, or gynecologist) is almost always required to schedule an appointment with an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) such as Dr. Atkins. Endocrine system disorders often involve complex interactions and can have wide-ranging effects, so an initial assessment by your primary care provider helps determine if specialist care is needed and ensures that relevant preliminary tests and medical history are available to the endocrinologist. This facilitates a more focused and efficient consultation.

I have a thyroid nodule. What can I expect during an evaluation with an Endocrinologist like Dr. Atkins?

When evaluating a thyroid nodule, an Endocrinologist like Dr. Atkins will conduct a thorough assessment. This typically involves reviewing your medical history (including any symptoms of thyroid dysfunction or family history of thyroid disease), performing a physical examination of your neck and thyroid gland, and ordering blood tests to check your thyroid function (TSH, and possibly free T4, T3, and thyroid antibodies). A thyroid ultrasound is almost always performed to precisely characterize the nodule's size, number, and sonographic features (e.g., solid, cystic, calcifications, irregular margins). Based on these ultrasound characteristics and the nodule's size, Dr. Atkins will determine if a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed to obtain cells for microscopic examination to rule out thyroid cancer. Most thyroid nodules are benign.

What types of diagnostic tests are commonly used by an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Atkins?

An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Atkins utilizes a variety of tests to diagnose endocrine disorders. Blood tests are fundamental for measuring levels of specific hormones (e.g., TSH, free T4, cortisol, ACTH, testosterone, estrogen, LH, FSH, insulin, HbA1c, prolactin, PTH, calcium, vitamin D). He often orders dynamic endocrine function tests, where hormone levels are measured after administering a stimulating or suppressing agent (e.g., ACTH stimulation test for adrenal function, oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes/acromegaly, dexamethasone suppression test for Cushing's). Imaging studies like thyroid ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs of the pituitary or adrenal glands are common. Bone mineral density (DXA) scans assess for osteoporosis. For thyroid nodules, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy might be performed or arranged.

630-221 Esplanade W
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3J3

Phone: (604) 770-4054 | Fax: (604) 398-4222

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Atkins is a licensed Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) 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. Atkins 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/356369/Atkins%2CPaul