Dr. Ursula Skalska – Internist / Geriatrician | Richmond, BC

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Ursula Skalska offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Richmond, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care. Her practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice - internal medicine, with a focus on complex adult health and age-related conditions.

Dr. Skalska graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2006 and has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics. She has developed expertise through rigorous clinical education and continuous professional development, ensuring her practice remains current and evidence-based.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes clear, educational communication and personalized care. She is dedicated to serving residents of Richmond and the surrounding areas, offering services primarily in English. Dr. Skalska is committed to improving her patients' health outcomes through thorough assessment, compassionate care, and ongoing support.

Dr. Skalska 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.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

Dr. Skalska 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Skalska. 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. Skalska'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. Skalska's practice is located in the Central Richmond (City Centre North) neighborhood of Richmond, BC. The location is conveniently situated near Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU Richmond) and Garden City Lands Park. Patients can access the clinic via TransLink, with options including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced investigation of anemia or dyslipidemia), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Complex Infections Consultation). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

7000 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC V6X 1A2

Phone: (604) 675-3791 | Fax: (604) 297-9926

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Skalska 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/334180/Skalska%2CUrsula