Dr. Sheryl Melissa Hodgson – Internist / Geriatrician | Cranbrook, BC

Dr. Sheryl Melissa Hodgson, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Cranbrook, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive adult healthcare. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in all medical services. Dr. Hodgson’s role primarily involves managing complex medical conditions in adult patients, including older adults and seniors, with a focus on holistic and patient-centered approaches.

She graduated with an MD from McMaster University in 2016, completing relevant postgraduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, along with certifications in chronic disease management and geriatric assessments. Her training emphasizes the integration of current medical guidelines and individualized treatment plans to optimize patient outcomes.

Dr. Hodgson's clinical philosophy is centered on clear communication, educational engagement, and collaborative decision-making. She is dedicated to serving the Cranbrook community with compassion and professionalism. Fluent in English, she is committed to providing accessible and understandable medical guidance to all her patients.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss or cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Dr. Hodgson 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.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• 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. Hodgson. 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. Hodgson'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. Hodgson's practice is situated near the central neighborhoods of Cranbrook, BC, providing convenient access for residents in the area. The location is close to local points of interest such as the Cranbrook History Centre and nearby parks. Patients can reach the clinic via local public transit routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of entry and movement for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, offering added convenience for those arriving by car.

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

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Hodgson 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. Hodgson. 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.

Can Dr. Sheryl Melissa Hodgson provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Hodgson can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Hodgson will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

B-1924 8TH St N
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3N3

Phone: (250) 426-1995 | Fax: (250) 417-2973

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hodgson 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/345572/Hodgson%2CSheryl