Dr. Richard Trevor Benson

Dr. Richard Trevor Benson provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Chronic Conditions

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Screening, diagnosis, and management of abnormal lipid profiles (high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides) through lifestyle modifications (heart-healthy diet, physical activity, weight management) and, when indicated, prescription of lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors) based on cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Individualized, evidence-based care plans for individuals living with hypertension, focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment for optimal cardiovascular health.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Primary care strategies to protect and preserve kidney health, including tight blood pressure and glycemic control, and education on kidney-friendly habits.

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Effective antimicrobial therapy for common bacterial skin infections to resolve infection, prevent spread, and alleviate associated symptoms.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Providing effective remedies for bothersome and often contagious fungal infections of the skin, hair shafts, and nails, along with advice on hygiene and prevention of recurrence.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Helping patients manage the symptoms of psoriasis (scaling, plaques, itchiness) and reduce skin inflammation through effective topical therapies and supportive care.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Primary care coordination for back and neck pain, including referral to physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or specialist pain services when appropriate for persistent or disabling symptoms.

Adult Common Health Issues

• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Assessing patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of Restless Legs Syndrome (an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, typically worse at rest/in the evening, and relieved by movement). This includes ruling out secondary causes (e.g., iron deficiency, kidney failure, pregnancy, certain medications).
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Referral to urology for severe symptoms, complications (e.g., acute urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, renal impairment due to obstruction), or if surgical intervention (e.g., TURP) is being considered.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Benson. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Management of Common Chronic Pediatric Conditions (e.g., Asthma, Eczema, Allergies): Diagnosing and managing common chronic conditions in pediatric patients, such as asthma (including action plans and inhaler technique), eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and food allergies (initial assessment and referral if needed), focusing on symptom control, trigger avoidance, and improving quality of life.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Providing continuous medical care for adult health issues, from sudden illnesses to long-term conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment and follow-up.
• Occupational Health Aspects & Work-Related Health Concerns (Initial Assessment): Initial evaluation of the impact of work on health and vice-versa.
• Stress Management, Burnout & Adjustment Disorder Support: Helping patients build resilience, develop adaptive coping mechanisms, and navigate stressful periods effectively to protect their mental and physical health.
• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Providing in-office joint injections to alleviate symptoms and improve function in selected musculoskeletal conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Benson. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in BC and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Richard Trevor Benson's practice, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Benson frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Patients with a follow-up for a recent concussion to ensure they are recovering properly can find relief and achieve having their diverse family structure, unique cultural needs, and individual communication preferences consistently understood, acknowledged, and respectfully incorporated into all aspects of their care by Dr. Benson and the entire clinic team under Dr. Benson's care, often allowing them to resume regularly going for long, challenging, and invigorating hikes in scenic natural environments, cycling picturesque country routes for hours, or swimming multiple laps at the local community pool for both physical fitness and mental relaxation without former limitations.
• For those challenged by pain, numbness, or tingling in their hands or wrists that might be carpal tunnel syndrome from computer work, Dr. Benson offers strategies to reach feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Benson to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques, which can mean rediscovering the joy of being able to comfortably stand for reasonably extended periods when necessary, for example, while cooking intricate meals, attending a standing-room-only event, actively participating in a workshop, or waiting patiently in unavoidable queues.
• It's rewarding for Dr. Benson to see patients with experiencing unusual fatigue and muscle aches that aren't explained by physical activity achieve experiencing notably fewer sick days from work or school for themselves or their children, leading to improved productivity and less disruption to daily life, due to better prevention strategies and more effective management of common illnesses under Dr. Benson's care and return to important activities like consistently keeping all appointments for essential preventative dental care, vision checks, hearing tests, and other important allied health services as part of a comprehensive approach to their overall health maintenance.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Benson, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. He believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Benson practices at a family medical clinic in Whistler, situated in the Pemberton, Squamish, Whistler, Lions Bay (Covers Sea-to-Sky Corridor) neighborhood of Whistler. The clinic is conveniently located near Whistler Creekside and is accessible via Whistler Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Dr. Richard Trevor Benson at his Whistler clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Benson at our clinic offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Benson if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with our clinic regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

How long do appointments with Dr. Benson typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Benson vary based on the reason for the visit. For a quick follow-up or a straightforward issue, 10-15 minutes is common. For annual physicals, initial consultations, or if you have several health concerns to discuss, Dr. Benson will usually book a longer slot, like 30 minutes or sometimes more. Always try to be specific about your needs when booking your appointment at the clinic to ensure enough time is set aside with Dr. Benson to address your concerns thoroughly.

Can Dr. Benson help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Family doctors like Dr. Benson are integral to supporting patients' mental health. He can assess symptoms of common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, ADHD - initial screen), offer initial treatment options including counseling and medication if suitable, and connect you with more specialized mental health professionals or resources within the community if your needs are more complex. Your overall well-being, both physical and mental, is important to Dr. Benson.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in BC if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms) may not be covered and may have associated fees. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC who is accepting new patients?

Check the website of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia; they often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. Finding a family doctor can take time and effort.

4380 Lorimer Rd
Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4

Phone: (604) 932-4911

Dr. Richard Trevor Benson is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Registration Number: 66472

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332289/Benson%2CRichard

Family doctors like Dr. Benson are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.