Dr. Shayne Cameron Joseph Soetaert

Dr. Shayne Cameron Joseph Soetaert provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Evaluating common benign (non-cancerous) skin growths like skin tags (acrochordons), seborrheic keratoses ('age spots'), cherry angiomas, dermatofibromas, epidermal cysts, and lipomas. Providing reassurance regarding their benign nature and offering in-office removal (e.g., cryotherapy, snip excision, curettage, simple excision for cysts/lipomas if trained/equipped) for cosmetic reasons, if causing irritation, or for diagnostic certainty if there's any ambiguity.
• Fungal Skin, Nail & Hair Infections (Tinea species, Candidiasis, Onychomycosis): Diagnosis (clinical, skin scraping/KOH preparation, fungal culture if needed) and treatment of common superficial fungal infections including tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea pedis (athlete's foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea capitis (scalp ringworm - requires oral therapy), tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor), cutaneous candidiasis (e.g., intertrigo, diaper rash), and onychomycosis (fungal nail infections). Treatment involves topical antifungal creams/lotions/shampoos (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole) or oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole) for more extensive, resistant, or nail/hair infections.
• Viral Skin Infections (Common Warts, Molluscum Contagiosum, Herpes Simplex, Herpes Zoster/Shingles): Primary care management for common skin infections caused by viruses, including patient education on the nature of these infections and strategies for managing recurrences.
• 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.

Preventative Health Topics

• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Advocating for patients facing health inequities and working to connect them with resources that can improve their overall health outcomes and reduce disparities.
• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Performing comprehensive driver's medicals to ensure individuals meet the health standards necessary for safe vehicle operation, promoting road safety for all.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Supporting individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight through non-stigmatizing, patient-centered approaches that focus on sustainable lifestyle habits, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being rather than solely on rapid weight loss or restrictive dieting.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Comprehensive care for individuals with asthma and related allergies, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management skills, and emergency preparedness for asthma attacks.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Ongoing primary care for COPD, empowering patients with self-management techniques and coordinating care with respiratory specialists when necessary.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) - Early to Moderate Stages: Working collaboratively with patients to manage their kidney health through regular check-ups, proactive interventions, and coordination with specialist renal services when appropriate.

Common Acute Conditions

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Addressing common symptoms of UTIs and providing effective, evidence-based treatment to eradicate the infection and restore urinary health.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Helping patients manage their allergy symptoms effectively to improve daily comfort and quality of life.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Addressing sudden onset skin problems, providing effective treatment, advising on skin care and hygiene to promote healing, and identifying potential triggers for allergic or irritant conditions.

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

• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): A first point of contact for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, and clear pathways to specialized care and school supports.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, Stress): Supporting your efforts to adopt and maintain healthier habits across multiple domains for a better quality of life and disease prevention.
• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Performing therapeutic joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections) for certain conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis in specific joints (e.g., knee, shoulder) to reduce pain and inflammation, if appropriately trained and equipped.
• Care for Minor Injuries & Acute Musculoskeletal Complaints: Providing first-line care for common minor injuries, including wound care advice, pain management strategies, and guidance on activity modification and rehabilitation.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Screening, Counseling & Treatment: Confidential screening for common STBBIs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B/C) based on risk factors and guidelines. Includes counseling on prevention, safe practices, partner notification if applicable, and providing treatment for common STIs.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Soetaert. 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. Shayne Cameron Joseph Soetaert'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. Soetaert frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If concerns about thinning hair or hair loss that seems more than normal is preventing you from meaningfully celebrating positive health milestones, consistently encouraging check-up results from Dr. Soetaert, and successfully achieving deeply personal wellness goals (big or small) with a profound sense of accomplishment and renewed motivation, Dr. Soetaert can help. The aim is to achieve their children developing a consistently positive attitude towards healthcare interactions and feeling remarkably comfortable, safe, and trusting during medical check-ups, immunizations, and even minor procedures with Dr. Soetaert through personalized family medicine care.
• A frequent goal for patients seeing Dr. Soetaert about that persistent, dry cough that just won't seem to go away after a cold is to achieve feeling genuinely and consistently supported by Dr. Soetaert during emotionally difficult health transitions, when facing a serious or life-altering new diagnosis, or when undertaking the demanding role of caring for an ill or aging family member. This success paves the way for them to re-engage with actively and responsibly participating in their own healthcare journey by consistently attending scheduled appointments with Dr. Soetaert, asking insightful questions, understanding their conditions, and diligently following mutually agreed-upon treatment plans.
• The path to wellness when facing feeling stressed about caregiving responsibilities for an elderly parent or sick relative involves working towards achieving substantially better and more integrated management of their multiple co-existing chronic conditions (multimorbidity) through the highly coordinated, holistic, and patient-centered approach to care championed by Dr. Soetaert. Dr. Soetaert guides patients so they can again enjoy boldly taking on new, exciting challenges or ambitious, multi-stage projects either at work or in their personal life with a strong sense of self-efficacy, physical capability, and mental preparedness.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Soetaert, 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. Soetaert's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Fernie, situated in a family medical practice in the central Fernie neighborhood of Fernie. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

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

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Soetaert plays a crucial role in mental healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Soetaert can provide an initial assessment, offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated, and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care is needed. Dr. Soetaert can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

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. You may find it helpful to use provincial resources such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, or your local health authority website. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see most medical specialists.

What happens if Dr. Soetaert determines I need to see a medical specialist?

Seeing a medical specialist in Canada usually requires a referral from your family doctor, like Dr. Soetaert. After assessing your condition, if Dr. Soetaert believes specialist care is necessary for diagnosis or management, he will discuss this with you and make the appropriate referral. Our office will handle sending the required information to the specialist. You will then typically be contacted by the specialist's office to arrange your appointment. Remember that specialist wait times can sometimes be long, so Dr. Soetaert will continue to manage your care and provide support in the interim.

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, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. 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 often should I see Dr. Soetaert for a check-up or physical exam?

The recommended frequency for check-ups or periodic health exams with Dr. Soetaert can vary based on your age, overall health, any existing medical conditions, and specific risk factors. Generally, healthy younger adults may need a full check-up less frequently (e.g., every 2-5 years if no concerns), while children, older adults (e.g., annually over 65), or individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent visits (e.g., annually or semi-annually). For specific screening tests like Pap smears or mammograms, there are established provincial guidelines based on age and gender which Dr. Soetaert follows. It's best to discuss your individual needs with Dr. Soetaert to determine an appropriate schedule for your preventative care. Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ins can be important for early detection and health maintenance.

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

Finding a family doctor in BC who is accepting new patients can be challenging. You can check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, which may have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly.

How long do appointments with Dr. Soetaert typically last?

Appointment times with Dr. Soetaert 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. Soetaert 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. Soetaert to address your concerns thoroughly.

PO Box 2380
Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0

Phone: (250) 423-6404

Dr. Shayne Cameron Joseph Soetaert 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: 23531

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/308256/Soetaert%2CShayne

Family doctors like Dr. Soetaert 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.