Description
About Dr. Robin Lindsey Colwell
Dr. Robin Lindsey Colwell is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves the surrounding communities. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Colwell's role emphasizes a thorough, patient-centred approach, integrating evidence-based medicine to optimize health outcomes for his patients.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Odense Universitet in Denmark in 2008. Following his medical education, he completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His training includes hospital-based residency programs and certifications recognized within the Canadian healthcare system, equipping him with the skills necessary to manage complex adult and elderly health conditions.
Dr. Colwell adopts an evidence-based and informative clinical philosophy, dedicated to continuous learning and applying the latest medical research to his practice. He is committed to serving the Vancouver community, offering services in English and French to accommodate diverse patient needs. His goal is to provide high-quality, compassionate care that respects patient preferences and promotes their independence and well-being.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Robin Lindsey Colwell
Dr. Colwell provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
Dr. Colwell 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Robin Lindsey Colwell
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Colwell. 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. Colwell'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Colwell's practice is located in the Kensington-Cedar Cottage East neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. The clinic is situated near a busy commercial corridor and the Downtown Entertainment District, providing convenient access for patients. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including TransLink’s SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility or metered street parking is available nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Colwell? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Colwell 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. Colwell. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Colwell will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss his findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- Does Dr. Robin Lindsey Colwell handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Colwell 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.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Delirium Prevention & Management), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Colwell, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
Contact & Licensing Information
2032 Kingsway
Vancouver, BC V5N 2T3
Phone: (604) 874-5555
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Colwell 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/336234/Colwell%2CRobin