Dr. Tamara Dawn Pacholuk

Dr. Tamara Dawn Pacholuk provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Acne Vulgaris (Mild to Moderate) & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage these common and often distressing inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance, reduce symptoms (redness, papules, pustules, flushing), prevent scarring (acne), and enhance quality of life.
• Benign Skin Lesion Assessment & Management (Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses, Cysts, Lipomas): Primary care management of common, non-cancerous skin lesions, including reassurance and simple removal procedures where appropriate and within scope.
• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Contact Dermatitis & Seborrheic Dermatitis: Comprehensive primary care for common inflammatory skin conditions, aiming to alleviate symptoms, prevent secondary infections, and improve patient comfort and overall skin health.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Primary care support for individuals with psoriasis, coordinating with specialist care as needed for more advanced treatment options and comprehensive management of this chronic systemic condition.

Common Acute Conditions

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs - Cystitis, Pyelonephritis - uncomplicated initial): Prompt diagnosis (e.g., urinalysis, urine culture if needed) and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections such as cystitis (bladder infection) and initial assessment/management of suspected uncomplicated pyelonephritis (kidney infection) to alleviate discomfort (dysuria, frequency, urgency, flank pain) and prevent complications.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Managing acute episodes of vomiting and diarrhea to support recovery, ensure adequate hydration, and rule out more serious underlying causes.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of common acute skin issues including cellulitis (mild, uncomplicated), fungal infections (e.g., athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis), allergic rashes (e.g., hives, contact dermatitis), impetigo, shingles (herpes zoster), insect bites/stings with significant local reactions, and minor superficial burns.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat (including rapid strep testing where available), nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, and fever associated with common URTIs.

Mental Health Concerns

• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Providing compassionate, evidence-informed primary care and management strategies for those affected by depression and other common mood disorders, with a focus on recovery and long-term stability.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides): Working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels to significantly reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and pancreatitis.
• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, B12/Folate Deficiency - Chronic): Diagnosing and providing ongoing treatment for common forms of anemia to maintain energy levels and overall health.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD - Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis): Helping individuals with chronic bronchitis or emphysema manage their symptoms effectively, improve exercise tolerance, and maintain the best possible lung function through a multidisciplinary approach.

Pediatric Common Issues

• Childhood Immunization Schedule Management & Counseling: Administering the complete schedule of publicly funded childhood vaccines (e.g., DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide, MMR, Varicella, Meningococcal conjugate (Groups A,C,Y,W-135 and Group B), Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Influenza) to protect against serious and preventable infectious diseases, according to current provincial and national (NACI) guidelines.
• Newborn Care & Infant Feeding Support (Breastfeeding, Formula): Ensuring a healthy start for newborns with regular check-ups, timely interventions if issues arise, and resources for parental education and support.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Regular monitoring of physical growth (height, weight, head circumference using growth charts), developmental milestones (gross motor, fine motor, language, social-emotional using tools like Rourke Baby Record or Greig Health Record), nutrition/feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula, introduction of solids, healthy eating for older children), and providing age-appropriate anticipatory guidance to parents/caregivers on safety (e.g., car seats, safe sleep, poison prevention, injury prevention), behavior, sleep, dental health, and fostering healthy habits from infancy through school age.
• 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.

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

• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Infections (Respiratory, Urinary, Skin, GI): Expert assessment and management of everyday acute illnesses affecting respiratory, urinary, skin, and other systems to help you recover quickly and prevent complications.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating a wide spectrum of acute illnesses commonly affecting adults (e.g., respiratory infections, UTIs, skin conditions) and providing ongoing management for prevalent chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis).
• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Providing care for various acute dermatological concerns, offering treatment options (topical or oral) and referrals to dermatology if needed for severe or complex cases.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Coordinated management of diverse chronic illnesses within a primary care setting.
• Developmental, Behavioral & Learning Concerns in Children (Initial Assessment, Guidance & Referral): Performing initial screening and assessment for parental or school concerns regarding developmental delays (speech, motor, cognitive), behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, sleep problems, anxiety), ADHD symptoms, or learning difficulties. Includes providing initial guidance and coordinating timely referrals to pediatric specialists if further evaluation or intervention is needed.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Pacholuk. 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. Tamara Dawn Pacholuk'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. Pacholuk frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• With Dr. Pacholuk's care, managing wishing to discuss advance care planning, making a living will, or appointing a healthcare proxy aims for experiencing notably fewer sick days from work or school for themselves or their children, leading to improved productivity and less disruption to daily life, due to better prevention strategies and more effective management of common illnesses under Dr. Pacholuk's care, empowering patients to get back to what they love, like consistently maintaining a regular, enjoyable, and suitably challenging active lifestyle through various forms of exercise, preferred team or individual sports, invigorating outdoor adventures, or mindful movement practices like yoga or tai chi.
• When needing support to cope with a new diagnosis of a chronic illness for themself/themselves or a family member affects a patient's ability to successfully maintaining a clean, organized, and uncluttered living space that actively contributes to their sense of calm, mental clarity, physical safety, and overall feelings of well-being at home, Dr. Pacholuk works with them to develop a plan. Success means reaching receiving a clear, understandable, and timely diagnosis for their persistent health concern, finally bringing peace of mind and a concrete path forward for treatment or management under Dr. Pacholuk's care and getting back to their valued pursuits.
• Dr. Pacholuk supports patients through concerns about their blood pressure readings being a bit high at the pharmacy machine, or cholesterol levels from a recent screening, aiming for outcomes like their teenager demonstrating a smoother and more confident transition into managing their own health responsibilities and navigating the adult healthcare system, thanks to ongoing guidance and mentorship from Dr. Pacholuk, so they can return to activities such as faithfully taking their cherished dog (or other pets) for long, brisk, enjoyable walks in the neighborhood park, through local trails, or along the beach every single day, regardless of the prevailing weather conditions, for mutual benefit.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Pacholuk, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Pacholuk practices at a family medical clinic in Tumbler Ridge, situated in a family medical practice in central Tumbler Ridge neighborhood of Tumbler Ridge. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Free patient parking is often available on-site or on nearby streets.

Does Dr. Pacholuk at her clinic offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Pacholuk at her clinic offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with her reception staff or Dr. Pacholuk if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with her clinic regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor to see a family doctor in British Columbia if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can sometimes be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website or local health authority websites may be helpful in your search. A referral  is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

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

A family doctor (British Columbia) is a physician who has completed post-graduate training in family medicine. They are skilled in providing continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. This includes diagnosing and treating a vast array of illnesses, managing complex long-term health conditions, offering health education and counseling on lifestyle choices, and acting as your advocate and guide within the broader healthcare system.

What should I bring with me to my appointment with Dr. Pacholuk?

Always bring your health card to your appointment with Dr. Pacholuk. A complete list of all medications you're currently taking (prescription, non-prescription, natural health products) is crucial for Dr. Pacholuk to review. For new patients, any past medical records or a health summary you can provide are beneficial. If you're diabetic, bringing your blood sugar log and meter can be helpful. Preparing a list of your symptoms or questions in advance can also make your appointment more productive and ensure all your concerns are addressed.

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

Finding a family doctor in BC who is accepting new patients may take time and effort. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations, or contact local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It's important to be persistent in your search.

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 or travel medicine consultations, 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.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Pacholuk?

For most prescription refills, please contact your pharmacy first, at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can often fax a refill request directly to Dr. Pacholuk's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed. For certain medications (e.g., narcotics, controlled substances, or medications requiring close monitoring), or if it has been a while since your last review with Dr. Pacholuk, an appointment will be required to assess your condition and ensure the medication is still appropriate and at the correct dose. It is always best to request refills proactively.

Can Dr. Pacholuk help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Absolutely. Dr. Pacholuk is well-equipped to address a wide range of mental health issues as part of comprehensive family practice. She can help diagnose conditions like anxiety or depression, provide counseling and support, manage psychotropic medications when appropriate, and coordinate care with mental health specialists if required. If you're struggling with your mental well-being, Dr. Pacholuk is a good person to start the conversation with and seek help from in a confidential and supportive environment.

220 Front St
Tumbler Ridge, BC, V0C 2W0

Phone: (250) 242-4251

Dr. Tamara Dawn Pacholuk 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: 66459

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338839/Pacholuk%2CTamara

Family doctors like Dr. Pacholuk 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.