Dr. Simon William Rabkin – Cardiologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Simon William Rabkin is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality care for all patients. Dr. Rabkin's focus is on providing comprehensive cardiovascular assessment and management, with a commitment to patient-centered care.

Dr. Rabkin graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in 1967 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His education and training have equipped him with the expertise necessary to manage complex heart conditions and provide evidence-based treatment approaches.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, ensuring patients understand their health conditions and treatment options. He is committed to delivering compassionate care to adults in Vancouver, speaking fluent English, and working collaboratively with referring physicians to optimize patient outcomes.

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

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
• Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.
• Management Post-Heart Transplant: Specialized follow-up care for patients who have received a heart transplant (often in dedicated clinics).

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) & Ischemic Heart Disease

• Management after Coronary Stenting (PCI): Monitoring and medical management following procedures to open blocked heart arteries with stents, including antiplatelet therapy guidance.
• Stable Angina Pectoris: Managing chest discomfort or pressure caused by narrowed heart arteries, typically occurring during exertion or stress.
• Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: Long-term medical care, risk factor control, and lifestyle guidance following heart bypass surgery.

Cardiovascular Prevention & Risk Management

• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Detailed evaluation of individual risk factors to estimate the likelihood of future heart attack or stroke.
• Complex Hypertension Management: Specialist care for difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension with associated complications.
• Primary & Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: Developing comprehensive strategies (lifestyle and medical) to prevent a first heart event or subsequent events in high-risk individuals.

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Rabkin is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Stress Testing Supervision & Interpretation: Overseeing and interpreting exercise treadmill tests, stress echocardiograms, or nuclear stress tests to assess for coronary artery blockages and exercise capacity.
• Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
• Cardiology Consultation & Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and medical history to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
• Ambulatory ECG (Holter & Event Monitor) Interpretation: Analyzing recordings from portable heart monitors worn for 24 hours up to several weeks to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias or correlate symptoms with heart rhythm.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Rabkin. The specific services required will depend on your individual diagnosis and referral. Please discuss specific service needs with your referring physician.

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. Rabkin's practice is primarily based at Vancouver General Hospital, located in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The hospital is conveniently situated near Heritage Hall, making it accessible for patients in the region. Patients can reach the hospital via TransLink's SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), as well as by bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Rabkin covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Rabkin are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when you have a valid health card and a required referral. Most medically necessary diagnostic tests ordered by a cardiologist (like ECGs, standard echocardiograms, stress tests) are also usually covered. Some advanced tests or specific procedures might have different coverage rules or require pre-approval. It's always best to confirm specific coverage with Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the testing facility.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Rabkin?

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rabkin. This ensures the consultation is appropriate for your medical needs and facilitates coordination of your care. Please ask your doctor to send a referral request.

What if I experience chest pain or other urgent symptoms?

If you experience sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or symptoms suggestive of a stroke (like sudden weakness or speech difficulty), call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department immediately. Do not wait for an appointment. Dr. Rabkin's office manages scheduled consultations and cannot provide emergency care.

What is a Cardiac Electrophysiologist (EP)?

An Electrophysiologist is a Cardiologist who specializes further in the heart's electrical system and treats heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) like Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD). They perform specialized tests (like EP studies) and procedures such as catheter ablation or implanting pacemakers/defibrillators. Dr. Rabkin may refer patients with complex arrhythmias to an EP specialist if needed. As a Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr. Rabkin specializes in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including performing procedures like ablation or device implantation.

When might my family doctor refer me to a Cardiologist?

Referrals are common for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting; abnormal ECG or stress test results; known heart conditions requiring specialist management (e.g., Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery, Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring), Ventricular Arrhythmias (e.g., VT, PVCs)); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.

Does Dr. Simon William Rabkin replace my family doctor for general care?

No, Dr. Rabkin focuses specifically on your cardiovascular health as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor remains central to your overall healthcare, managing other health issues and coordinating routine care. Dr. Rabkin collaborates closely with your family doctor, providing reports and recommendations.

Vancouver General Hospital
2775 Laurel St, Cardiology- Level 9 RM 9119
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-5847 | Fax: (604) 875-5849 | Website: http://www.vch.ca/

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Rabkin 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/349757/Rabkin%2CSimon