Dr. Russell Kenneth Leonard – Internist / Geriatrician | White Rock, BC

Dr. Russell Kenneth Leonard is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in White Rock, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. His practice is aligned with the high standards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive care that is both safe and effective. Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice - internal medicine, emphasizing personalized and holistic care for each patient.

Dr. Leonard graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1984 and has completed extensive postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics. His professional development reflects a lifelong commitment to staying current with advances in adult health and complex disease management, ensuring that his patients benefit from evidence-based practices.

He adopts a warm and community-oriented philosophy, emphasizing compassionate care and building trusting relationships with his patients. Fluent in English, Dr. Leonard is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of his community in White Rock and the surrounding areas, always aiming to improve quality of life and health outcomes for his patients.

Dr. Leonard provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• 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.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Dr. Leonard 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.

• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• 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. Leonard. 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. Leonard'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. Leonard's practice is situated near the central White Rock neighborhood, conveniently accessible to residents of White Rock and nearby communities. The location is close to popular local points of interest, making it easy for patients to attend appointments. Public transit options serve the area, providing accessible transportation for those who prefer not to drive. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Leonard? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Leonard 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. Leonard. 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Leonard's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Complex Infections Consultation, Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

204-1676 Martin Dr
White Rock, BC V4A 6E7

Phone: (604) 536-2188 | Fax: (604) 538-6317

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Leonard 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/303677/Leonard%2CRussell