Dr. Steven James Griffith-Cochrane

Dr. Steven James Griffith-Cochrane provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Joint Muscle Pain

• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Providing long-term management strategies for chronic gout to prevent recurrent attacks and complications (e.g., tophi, chronic gouty arthropathy, kidney stones), including detailed lifestyle advice (dietary modifications - reducing purine-rich foods such as red meat/organ meats/shellfish, limiting alcohol especially beer and spirits, avoiding sugary drinks/high-fructose corn syrup; hydration; weight management if overweight/obese) and initiating/managing urate-lowering therapy (ULT) such as allopurinol or febuxostat to achieve and maintain target serum uric acid levels (typically <360 µmol/L or <300 µmol/L if tophi present). Monitoring for medication side effects, adherence, and regular serum uric acid levels.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Often co-managed with or referred to rheumatology, especially for atypical presentations, diagnostic uncertainty, difficulty tapering corticosteroids, frequent relapses, or suspected GCA. Primary care plays a key role in ongoing monitoring, patient education, and supportive care for PMR.
• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Working collaboratively with individuals experiencing chronic widespread pain to develop personalized self-management strategies, set realistic functional goals, and coordinate care effectively with other healthcare providers such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and rheumatologists (for diagnostic confirmation or complex cases).

Adult Common Health Issues

• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Initial assessment and conservative management of symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and varicose veins, such as leg aching, heaviness, swelling (edema), skin changes (e.g., hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis, venous eczema), and uncomplicated superficial thrombophlebitis. Ruling out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if acute unilateral swelling/pain.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Helping patients manage the uncomfortable sensations and sleep disruption associated with RLS.
• Allergic Conjunctivitis & Dry Eye Syndrome - Primary Care Management: Diagnosing and managing common eye conditions like allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red, watery eyes often seasonal or related to specific allergens) with advice on allergen avoidance, cool compresses, artificial tears, and topical/oral antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers. Assessing and providing initial management for dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca - gritty, burning, foreign body sensation, intermittent blurry vision) with education on environmental modifications, regular use of artificial tears/lubricating ointments, and advice on blinking exercises/lid hygiene. Referral to ophthalmology if symptoms are severe, persistent, vision is affected, or diagnosis is uncertain.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Symptom Management & Monitoring: Referral to urology for severe symptoms, complications (e.g., acute urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, renal impairment due to obstruction), or if surgical intervention (e.g., TURP) is being considered.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Screening, Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral Coordination): A first point of contact and trusted resource for parents with concerns about a child's learning, behavior, social interaction, or overall development, offering support, resources, advocacy, and clear pathways to specialized care and school-based supports.
• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Keeping your child's vaccinations fully up-to-date for their individual protection and to contribute to community (herd) immunity, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals.
• Pediatric Asthma, Eczema & Allergy Management (Primary Care): Primary care coordination for childhood asthma, eczema, and allergies, ensuring optimal health, growth, and development, with close collaboration with pediatric specialists when necessary for severe or complex cases.

Preventative Health Topics

• Driver's Medical Examinations (Routine, Age-Related, Commercial): Objective medical assessments for driving privileges, completed accurately according to regulatory requirements (fees typically apply as this is often an uninsured service). This may involve coordination with specialists if complex medical conditions impact driving ability.
• Infectious Disease Prevention & Outbreak Management Support (Community Level): Promoting individual and community resilience against infectious diseases through education, vaccination, and adherence to public health measures.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Offering essential travel health services and tailored advice to protect your health while abroad, based on current international health regulations, CDC/WHO recommendations, and your specific travel plans.
• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Recognizing and sensitively discussing how social determinants of health (e.g., income, housing, education, food security, access to services, discrimination, social isolation) impact a patient's health and well-being. Providing information and referrals to relevant community resources, social services, and support programs to help address these underlying factors.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Primary Care Management: Helping individuals understand and manage their IBS symptoms to improve digestive comfort and quality of life.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis & Other Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g., Chronic Back/Neck Pain, Fibromyalgia): Long-term support and care for managing the symptoms of degenerative joint disease and other chronic musculoskeletal pain, focusing on self-management and maintaining an active lifestyle.

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

• Chronic Respiratory Disease Care (Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis): Managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including accurate diagnosis, creating/updating personalized action plans, optimizing inhaler technique, smoking cessation support, and managing exacerbations to improve lung function and daily living.
• Fungal, Viral & Bacterial Skin Infections: Effective remedies for bothersome infections of the skin, hair, and nails.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Comprehensive primary care for patients with various thyroid conditions, including initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities and coordination with endocrinology if needed.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Providing prompt, effective, and child-friendly care for common infections and acute conditions to ensure quick recovery and prevent complications.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Helping patients control flare-ups of itchy, inflamed skin and maintain healthy skin barrier function.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Griffith-Cochrane. 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. Steven James Griffith-Cochrane'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. Griffith-Cochrane frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If a suspicious mole or skin lesion that has changed in size, shape, or color, or started to itch or bleed has put consistently maintaining good, ergonomic posture and avoiding musculoskeletal discomfort while working for extended periods at a computer station, office desk, or in other sedentary job roles on hold, Dr. Griffith-Cochrane works with patients toward accessing crucial mental health support, initial assessment, and evidence-based treatment in a familiar, readily accessible, and completely non-stigmatizing primary care environment meticulously provided by Dr. Griffith-Cochrane, helping them regain their previous level of function.
• Dr. Griffith-Cochrane understands the impact of a recurring ear infection, or their child tugging at their ear and being fussy. That's why treatment is geared towards feeling truly empowered with the specific knowledge, practical skills, and continuous ongoing support from Dr. Griffith-Cochrane to make sustainable, positive, and healthier lifestyle choices regarding their nutrition, optimal physical activity levels, restorative sleep patterns, and effective stress management techniques, helping patients get back to feeling confident enough in their stable health and physical abilities to make spontaneous, last-minute plans, embrace unexpected opportunities, or enthusiastically try new, unfamiliar activities or experiences with greater ease.
• When shortness of breath that comes on suddenly or is worse than their usual asthma/COPD affects a patient's ability to regularly engaging in deeply personal spiritual practices, reflective mindfulness exercises, or formal meditation sessions that significantly contribute to their inner peace, emotional balance, stress reduction, and overall holistic well-being, Dr. Griffith-Cochrane works with them to develop a plan. Success means reaching having their specific concerns about a child's unique developmental trajectory, learning style, or challenging behavior addressed by Dr. Griffith-Cochrane with appropriate, validated screening tools, initial guidance, and highly effective, timely referrals to specialists or community programs when indicated and getting back to their valued pursuits.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Griffith-Cochrane, 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. Griffith-Cochrane practices at a family medical clinic in Courtenay, situated in the Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, Rural Comox Valley neighborhood of Courtenay. The clinic is conveniently located near Courtenay & District Museum & Palaeontology Centre and is accessible via Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor accepting new patients can be challenging. You may find helpful resources online through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC or your local health authority. A referral is usually required to see specialists.

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

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website for a 'Find a Doctor' tool. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. It may take time to find a doctor.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (BC) is your primary healthcare provider, trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee long-term chronic diseases, provide screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and refer you to specialists when needed. The continuity of care they provide is fundamental to effective family medicine.

615 Tenth Street, Comox Valley Nursing Centre
Courtenay, BC, V9N 1R2

Phone: (250) 331-8502

Dr. Steven James Griffith-Cochrane 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: 37430

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/340882/Griffith-Cochrane%2CSteven

Family doctors like Dr. Griffith-Cochrane 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.