Dr. Richard Alexander Phillips – Endocrinologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Richard Alexander Phillips, a Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus), provides expert care for adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain endocrine conditions. Practicing at an endocrinology clinic within a hospital department in Kelowna, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. His practice is dedicated to the comprehensive management of hormonal and metabolic health, utilizing advanced diagnostic approaches and personalized treatment strategies. He adheres to the high standards and ethical practices established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality care for his patients.

Dr. Phillips graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta in Canada. He holds specialty certification as an Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His certification affirms his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in hormone and metabolism care, with ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements.

With a clinical philosophy centered on evidence-based hormonal and metabolic care, Dr. Phillips is dedicated to patient education, early and accurate diagnosis, and developing personalized treatment plans aimed at long-term health and well-being. He provides care primarily in English, ensuring clear communication and compassionate support for his patients in Kelowna and surrounding areas.

Dr. Richard Phillips diagnoses and treats a wide range of hormonal and metabolic disorders, including:

Diabetes & Related Metabolic Disorders

• Prediabetes & Insulin Resistance: A state where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Insulin resistance is a key feature, where cells don't respond well to insulin.
• 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.
• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy that was not clearly overt diabetes prior to gestation, requiring careful management to ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.

Bone Health & Mineral Metabolism Disorders

• Rickets & Osteomalacia: Conditions characterized by softening and weakening of bones, typically due to severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency. Rickets occurs in children, leading to skeletal deformities, while osteomalacia occurs in adults.
• Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency: Inadequate levels of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization, leading to potential bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased fracture risk.

Pituitary, Adrenal & Gonadal Axis Disorders

• Hypopituitarism (Panhypopituitarism, Isolated Hormone Deficiencies): Condition where the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate amounts of one or more crucial hormones (e.g., GH, ACTH, TSH, LH/FSH, ADH), requiring hormone replacement therapy.
• Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome): A condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Phillips 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. Richard Phillips practices at an endocrinology clinic located in the heart of Kelowna's Central Kelowna neighborhood, near South Pandosy and Downtown. The clinic is conveniently situated close to City Park, providing a scenic and accessible environment for patients. Public transit options are available via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), making the location easily reachable for those relying on public transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for patients with mobility needs. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, offering flexible options for parking during appointments.

Are consultations, hormone tests, and treatments with Dr. Phillips, 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. Phillips, 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. Phillips's office, the hospital/clinic, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) directly.

Is a referral required to see Dr. Phillips, 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. Phillips. 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.

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

An Endocrinologist (Diabetes & Metabolism Focus) like Dr. Phillips 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.

Does Dr. Phillips deal with hormonal issues related to infertility or conditions like PCOS?

Yes, Dr. Phillips routinely manages hormonal issues impacting reproductive health, including conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovulatory dysfunction, and related hormonal imbalances. He provides initial evaluation and management for these conditions, addressing metabolic and hormonal aspects. For complex infertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, he collaborates with or refers patients to a Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) specialist. His focus is on providing comprehensive hormonal care to support fertility and reproductive health in both women and men, ensuring personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.

2nd floor, 2251 Pandosy Street, Walter Anderson Building
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T1

Phone: (250) 980-1351 | Fax: (250) 763-7025

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Phillips 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. Phillips 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/307583/Phillips%2CRichard