Dr. Susan Adele Taylor – Internist / Geriatrician | Victoria, BC

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Susan Adele Taylor serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Victoria, BC, she serves the surrounding communities and adheres to the standards set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her focus includes comprehensive adult and geriatric health management, ensuring a patient-centered approach tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Taylor graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1980 and has completed extensive postgraduate training, including certifications in internal medicine and geriatric care. She maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with evidence-based practices and emerging medical advancements.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes evidence-based and informative care, fostering collaborative decision-making with her patients. She is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare in the Victoria region and speaks fluent English, ensuring clear communication with her diverse patient population.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Dr. Taylor 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.

• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Taylor. 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. Taylor'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. Taylor's practice is located in the Fairfield East area within the Oaklands neighborhood of Victoria. The location offers convenient proximity to the Coho and Clipper Ferry Terminals as well as Float Plane Terminals, making it accessible for patients traveling from various regions. The facility is well-served by the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring easy access via public transportation. The practice site is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

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.

How long should I expect my appointment to last?

Initial consultations with Dr. Taylor are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Taylor, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. She often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Medical Services Plan (MSP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Taylor.

1660 Prospect Pl
Victoria, BC V8R 5X8

Phone: (250) 213-2223 | Fax: (250) 598-9585

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Taylor 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/303852/Taylor%2CSusan