About
Dr. Sara May Wadge, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Sechelt, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring comprehensive and ethical care for all patients. Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice in internal medicine, emphasizing holistic management of complex health conditions in adults and seniors.
Dr. Wadge graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1997. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics, earning relevant certifications that qualify her to provide expert care for a diverse adult patient population. Her dedication to continuous learning ensures she remains current with the latest evidence and best practices in her field.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on warm, compassionate, and community-oriented care. Dr. Wadge is committed to serving the residents of Sechelt and the surrounding areas, speaking fluent English. She believes in building trusting relationships with her patients, fostering a supportive environment where older adults and their families feel valued and heard.
Dr. Wadge provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
- 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.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Dr. Wadge 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.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Wadge. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Wadge'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. Wadge's practice is conveniently situated near the central Sechelt neighborhood, easily accessible from local points of interest such as the Sechelt Hospital and downtown core. The location is well-served by public transit routes, making it accessible for most patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Wadge? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Wadge 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. Wadge. 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 kind of tests might Dr. Wadge order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Wadge may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.
- What happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Wadge 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. Wadge 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.
- 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, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Wadge, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?
- Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.
103-5631 Inlet Ave, PO Box 799
Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0
Phone: (604) 885-7103 | Fax: (833) 619-1083
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Wadge 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/325014/Wadge%2CSara