Dr. Tara Jolene Fleming – Family Doctor | Chilliwack, BC

Dr. Tara Jolene Fleming is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Chilliwack, BC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Tara Jolene Fleming completed her MD (Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 2005). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being; advocating for patients' needs within the healthcare system and coordinating care effectively with specialists and community services. She provides consultations in English.

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

Common Acute Conditions

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Managing lower respiratory tract infections that cause persistent cough (productive or non-productive), chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fever.
• Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Minor Back/Neck Pain): First-line care for everyday musculoskeletal injuries, supporting recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and providing referrals for imaging or physiotherapy if conservative measures are insufficient or red flags are present.
• Gastrointestinal Infections (Gastroenteritis, Food Poisoning): Helping you cope with acute digestive illnesses by providing guidance on oral rehydration solutions, appropriate diet modification during and after illness, and when to seek medical attention for persistent or severe symptoms.
• 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.

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): Supporting new parents in caring for their infant, addressing common concerns (colic, reflux, sleep patterns), and promoting bonding and healthy attachment.
• Well-Baby & Well-Child Check-ups (Growth, Development, Nutrition, Safety): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages according to age, receives all recommended preventative health screenings (e.g., vision, hearing, anemia, lead - as per guidelines), and appropriate immunizations in a timely manner.
• 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.

Mental Health Concerns

• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Ensuring individuals with complex or acute mental health needs are connected with the right resources and expertise for effective and safe management.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Assessing symptoms of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite) and other mood disorders. Offering empathetic supportive counseling, discussing and initiating treatment options including lifestyle interventions, evidence-based antidepressant medications, and facilitating referrals to psychotherapy or psychiatry for moderate to severe or treatment-resistant cases.
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Providing comprehensive assessment, psychoeducation, supportive counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common anxiety disorders.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.

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

• 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.
• Assessment of Acute Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting & Diarrhea: First-line medical assessment for sudden gastrointestinal issues to guide treatment and rule out emergent conditions.
• Sexually Transmitted & Blood-Borne Infection (STBBI) Screening, Counseling & Treatment: Providing testing, education, treatment, and advice related to sexual health and the prevention and management of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
• Care for Minor Injuries & Acute Musculoskeletal Complaints: Providing first-line care for common minor injuries, including wound care advice, pain management strategies, and guidance on activity modification and rehabilitation.
• Eczema, Psoriasis (Mild) & Other Common Rashes: Comprehensive primary care for chronic inflammatory and allergic skin conditions to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fleming. 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. Tara Jolene Fleming'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. Fleming frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Dr. Fleming to see patients with wanting to talk about their alcohol consumption, cannabis use, or concerns about other substance use in a confidential setting achieve successfully navigating the initial emotional and practical challenges of a new, unexpected serious diagnosis with Dr. Fleming's consistent, empathetic support, reliable information, and proactive care coordination and return to important activities like proudly and comfortably attending their children's or grandchildren's various school events, important sports games, recitals, graduations, and artistic performances without being hindered by physical discomfort or lack of stamina.
• Addressing wanting to discuss options for medical assistance in dying (MAID) for a terminal condition (in provinces where applicable) with Dr. Fleming often leads to receiving appropriate and timely referrals for genetic counseling or testing through Dr. Fleming when indicated by significant family history of heritable conditions or specific clinical findings, enabling patients to more freely engage in confidently enjoying a varied, balanced, and largely unrestricted diet (unless medically indicated for very specific diagnosed conditions like celiac disease or severe allergies) without undue fear of triggering adverse reactions, pain, or significant digestive distress.
• Overcoming or managing wanting to get a baseline ECG because of family heart history before starting a new exercise program is a common patient journey at Dr. Fleming's practice. The focus is on enabling successfully and confidently navigating the often complex, fragmented, and sometimes overwhelming healthcare system with Dr. Fleming acting as their knowledgeable guide, steadfast advocate, and central, reliable coordinator of all their medical care, so that engaging in comfortably attending and thoroughly enjoying lengthy public events like concerts, theatre performances, live movies in cinemas, or exciting sporting events, being able to sit for extended periods without significant pain or the need to frequently shift positions becomes a reality again.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Fleming, 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. Fleming's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Chilliwack, situated in the Chilliwack Downtown, Central neighborhood of Chilliwack. The clinic is conveniently located near Sardis Area and is accessible via Chilliwack/Agassiz-Harrison Transit System (BC Transit). Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

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

For every appointment with Dr. Fleming, please bring your valid provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card). It is also very helpful to bring an up-to-date list of all your current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, along with their dosages. If you have them, any relevant medical records, recent test results (blood work, imaging reports), or letters from other doctors can be useful, especially if you are seeing Dr. Fleming for the first time or for a specific complex problem. Having a written list of your questions or concerns can also help ensure you cover everything you need to during your visit.

I have multiple health problems. How does Dr. Fleming handle complex care?

Managing multiple health conditions is a core part of what Dr. Fleming does. She will work with you to understand the full picture of your health, help manage various chronic diseases simultaneously, ensure your medications are optimized, and coordinate with different specialists to ensure your care is not fragmented. The goal is to provide integrated and patient-centered care that addresses all your needs effectively.

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

Finding a family doctor in British Columbia who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. It's important to be patient and persistent, as it may take time to find a suitable doctor.

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

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in BC if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Provincial resources, such as the HealthLinkBC website or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, may offer assistance in finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Fleming?

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Fleming usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Fleming will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

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

Your family doctor (British Columbia) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. They manage acute illnesses and injuries, oversee the care of long-term chronic diseases, provide routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administer vaccinations, and ensure you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care they provide, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

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 certain types of notes (e.g., for work or school), 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 long do appointments with Dr. Fleming typically last?

Typically, a regular appointment with Dr. Fleming to discuss a specific health concern or for a follow-up lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. However, if you are a new patient, scheduled for a complete physical exam, or need to discuss multiple or complex health matters, the appointment will likely be scheduled for a longer duration, such as 30 minutes. Please inform the reception staff at the clinic about the nature of your visit when booking, so sufficient time with Dr. Fleming can be arranged.

203-9123 Mary St
Chilliwack, BC, V2P 4H7

Phone: (604) 795-9161

Dr. Tara Jolene Fleming 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: 64149

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336208/Fleming%2CTara

Family doctors like Dr. Fleming 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.