Dr. Stephanus Frederick Van Eeden – Internist / Geriatrician | Vancouver, BC

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Stephanus Frederick Van Eeden serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he provides comprehensive adult healthcare services to the surrounding communities. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice in internal medicine, with a focus on the unique needs of adult and senior patients.

Dr. Van Eeden graduated with a MB ChB degree from Universiteit Van Stellenbosch in 1975 (South Africa). He has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics, ensuring his practice is grounded in evidence-based medicine and current clinical guidelines. His training and ongoing professional development enable him to provide expert diagnostic and management services tailored to complex adult health conditions.

Driven by an evidence-based and informative approach, Dr. Van Eeden is committed to delivering patient-centered care in Vancouver. He speaks English and Afrikaans, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. His goal is to support patients in achieving optimal health outcomes through thorough evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

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

Dr. Van Eeden 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.

• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Van Eeden. 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. Van Eeden'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).

Located within the vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood of Vancouver, Dr. Van Eeden’s practice is situated within St. Paul's Hospital, offering convenient access for patients. The area is in close proximity to City Square Shopping Centre and is well-connected by public transportation, including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express services at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Van Eeden 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. Van Eeden. 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 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.

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 (Chronic Liver Disease, Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

St. Paul's Hospital
1081 Burrrard St, St. Paul's Hospital, Pacific Lung Health Centre
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 682-2344

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Van Eeden 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/312401/Van%20Eeden%2CStephanus