About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Tristen Alexander Gilchrist serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing compassionate, comprehensive care to adults of all ages. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medical services. Dr. Gilchrist’s role encompasses a broad scope within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing holistic management of complex health conditions in adult and senior populations.
Dr. Gilchrist graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 2013 and has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. He has acquired key credentials and maintains ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving medical practices and guidelines, ensuring his patients benefit from evidence-based, patient-centered care.
His clinical philosophy is warm and community-focused. Dr. Gilchrist is committed to serving the Vancouver community with kindness and respect, speaking English fluently. He values building trusting relationships with his patients and their families, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life through attentive, personalized care.
Dr. Gilchrist provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
Dr. Gilchrist 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.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Gilchrist. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Gilchrist'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. Gilchrist’s practice is located in the vibrant Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, BC, near Robson Square. The location is easily accessible via TransLink’s SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express at Waterfront station. Patients can reach the clinic conveniently from various parts of the city and surrounding areas. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility or nearby, with convenient options to suit different needs.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Gilchrist? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Gilchrist 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. Gilchrist. 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.
- 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. Gilchrist.
- What happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Gilchrist will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Gilchrist may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.
- 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, and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Gilchrist, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
2775 Laurel St, 7th Floor, Stn 3, Internal Medicine, Diamond Health Care Centre
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Phone: (604) 875-5181 | Fax: (604) 875-5906
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gilchrist 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/334915/Gilchrist%2CTristen