About
Dr. Torrance James Oravec is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Nanaimo, in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic is conveniently located near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre and is accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment for patients requiring expert attention. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patient convenience. Dr. Oravec adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.
He is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. Dr. Oravec graduated with his MD from McMaster University in 2017. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine (or Pediatrics, as applicable) and then a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. His certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of specialty practice. His training and certifications enable him to deliver comprehensive and evidence-based infectious disease management.
Dr. Oravec’s professional philosophy revolves around accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using current, evidence-based medicine. He is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies to promote better health outcomes. A strong advocate for antimicrobial stewardship, he aims to combat antibiotic resistance through judicious prescribing practices. Dr. Oravec emphasizes a patient-centered approach, with particular focus on vulnerable populations and complex infection cases. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. All patient communication and care are delivered in English, with a focus on clarity and reassurance to support optimal health and well-being.
Dr. Torrance Oravec provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Oravec manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.
- Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Vigilance for opportunistic infections.
- Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: May involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic antimicrobials.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Close collaboration with oncologists.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Oravec manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Can be caused by bacteria spreading from other sites of infection or direct inoculation.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): May require oral or intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes surgical drainage for abscesses.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Refractory or Recurrent: Specialist consultation for complicated cases, recurrent infections, or those involving the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Dr. Oravec manages management may involve antiviral medications for specific viruses, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination.
- Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Focus on chronic Hepatitis B and C, utilizing modern antiviral therapies to achieve viral suppression or cure.
- Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Multidisciplinary approach to care.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Torrance Oravec is necessary.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Development and implementation of antimicrobial guidelines and protocols.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Diagnosis and long-term antimicrobial management of infections affecting bones and joints.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Guidance on appropriate antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic testing.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Diagnosis of latent TB infection and active TB disease.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections in this vulnerable population.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Often involves complex decisions regarding device removal and prolonged antimicrobial therapy.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Oravec.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant associations including AMMI Canada, PHAC, and provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Oravec practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in the Central Nanaimo area of Nanaimo, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre, making it easily accessible by foot or public transit. Patients can reach the clinic via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). The clinic provides a professional, discreet environment equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. On-site and nearby public parking are available for patient convenience, ensuring a comfortable and accessible setting for all visitors. This location is dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized infectious disease management in a welcoming community setting.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Oravec?
- A consultation with Dr. Oravec is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- Dr. Oravec, as an Infectious Disease Specialist, focuses on the clinical care of patients – examining them, ordering tests, and prescribing treatment for infections. A Medical Microbiologist focuses on the laboratory aspects of identifying pathogens and their resistance patterns, providing crucial information to ID specialists and other doctors. They often collaborate, and some specialists like Dr. Oravec may have qualifications in both areas, providing a unique expertise in managing infectious diseases, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Oravec?
- Dr. Oravec treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. He specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- What is Dr. Oravec's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Dr. Oravec contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Oravec?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Oravec for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Oravec receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 740-6949.
an infectious disease clinic in Nanaimo
1200 Dufferin Cres, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Infectious Diseases
Nanaimo, BC V9S 2B7
Office Phone: (250) 755-6233 | Office Fax: (250) 740-6949
Dr. Oravec is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Oravec, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Oravec's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/359288/Oravec%2CTorrance