About
Dr. Peter Craig Cavanagh is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in North Vancouver, BC, he serves the surrounding communities. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and patient safety in all aspects of care. Dr. Cavanagh's role emphasizes a holistic approach to adult medicine, with particular expertise in managing the healthcare needs of older adults and those with multifaceted medical conditions.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in 2018.0 (Canada). Following his graduation, he completed relevant postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatric care, earning key certifications that highlight his commitment to continuous professional development and clinical excellence. His training provides him with the skills necessary to address a wide spectrum of adult health issues, especially those prevalent in the aging population.
Dr. Cavanagh's clinical philosophy is centered on delivering clear, educational, and patient-centered care. He is dedicated to serving the North Vancouver community and speaks English fluently. His approach emphasizes open communication, patient engagement, and evidence-based practice to achieve optimal health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Cavanagh provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
Dr. Cavanagh manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Cavanagh. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Cavanagh's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).
Dr. Cavanagh's practice is located in North Vancouver, BC, near the central North Vancouver neighborhood. The location offers convenient access from nearby points of interest such as Lonsdale Quay and the North Vancouver District Public Library. Patients can reach the clinic via local public transit options, including bus routes servicing the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Cavanagh? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Cavanagh are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.
- Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?
- A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Cavanagh. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.
- What happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Cavanagh will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Cavanagh may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.
- Does Dr. Cavanagh handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Cavanagh will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.
PO Box 16011 Rpo Lynn Valley
North Vancouver, BC V7J 3S9
Phone: (778) 802-9940 | Fax: (604) 299-2705
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Cavanagh is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/364965/Cavanagh%2CPeter