Dr. Vikas Raman Desai

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

Preventative Health Topics

• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Providing personalized, evidence-based advice on adopting and maintaining a balanced diet (e.g., Canada's Food Guide, Mediterranean diet, plant-based options), engaging in regular physical activity (aerobic, strength, flexibility - meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines), achieving optimal sleep hygiene, and implementing effective stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation) to promote overall health, prevent chronic diseases, and enhance well-being.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common and some less common international destinations. This includes a detailed risk assessment based on itinerary (country, region, urban/rural, length of stay, type of travel); advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (e.g., for malaria, dengue, Zika, chikungunya), altitude sickness prevention, and management of common travel-related ailments (e.g., traveler's diarrhea). Also includes administration of necessary routine immunizations (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Flu) and specific travel vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if a designated center, Rabies pre-exposure, Japanese Encephalitis considerations). Malaria chemoprophylaxis prescription if indicated. Complex itineraries or immunocompromised travelers may require referral to a specialized travel clinic.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Guidance on maintaining health in the context of specific work environments and job demands, and initial evaluation for common work-related health issues.

Mental Health Concerns

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Conducting initial assessments and ongoing management for ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults, using validated screening tools and collateral information (from parents, teachers). Providing psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, academic/workplace accommodation discussions, evidence-based medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases, diagnostic confirmation, or co-occurring conditions.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• 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.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Comprehensive, ongoing management of high blood pressure through regular monitoring (in-clinic and home BP), medication initiation and titration according to guidelines, extensive lifestyle counseling (DASH diet, low sodium, exercise, weight management, stress reduction), and screening/management of associated risk factors (e.g., dyslipidemia, diabetes) to prevent long-term cardiovascular complications.
• 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.
• Asthma (All Ages) & Allergic Rhinitis: Comprehensive care for individuals with asthma and related allergies, focusing on patient empowerment, self-management skills, and emergency preparedness for asthma attacks.

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

• Joint Injections for Pain Relief (e.g., Corticosteroid - if trained/equipped): Performing therapeutic joint injections (e.g., corticosteroid injections) for certain conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis in specific joints (e.g., knee, shoulder) to reduce pain and inflammation, if appropriately trained and equipped.
• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Adjusting thyroid medication based on symptoms and regular blood tests (TSH, free T4, etc.) to maintain optimal thyroid function.
• Management of Other Chronic Conditions (e.g., GERD, IBS, Anemia): Providing ongoing care and management for a variety of other long-term health issues such as chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic anemia, and more, focusing on symptom control and quality of life.
• Diabetes Mellitus Care (Type 1, Type 2, Gestational, Prediabetes): Comprehensive, ongoing management of type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes, including regular monitoring (A1c, blood glucose, complication screening), medication adjustment (oral agents, insulin, other injectables), and extensive lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, foot care).
• Childhood & Adolescent Immunization Administration & Counseling: Providing timely and safe immunizations according to provincial and national public health guidelines, ensuring children are fully protected.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Desai. 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 Hospital Emergency Room, 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. Desai frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• It's rewarding for Dr. Desai to see patients with joint pain in their knees, hips, or hands that's been getting worse and making movement difficult achieve having their diverse family structure, unique cultural needs, and individual communication preferences consistently understood, acknowledged, and respectfully incorporated into all aspects of their care by Dr. Desai and the entire clinic team and return to important activities like efficiently and capably performing all necessary household chores like vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, doing laundry, deep cleaning, and grocery shopping without excessive physical strain, pain, or subsequent exhaustion.
• Overcoming or managing feeling more anxious, worried, or on edge than usual lately, affecting their daily life is a common patient journey at Dr. Desai's practice. The focus is on enabling receiving compassionate, understanding, and effective support and strategies from Dr. Desai for managing a spectrum of mental health challenges including persistent anxiety, significant depression, debilitating grief, overwhelming life stress, or initial symptoms of more complex psychiatric conditions, so that engaging in feeling physically strong, mentally resilient, and emotionally capable of consistently handling the often unpredictable and demanding day-to-day responsibilities of active parenting, grand-parenting, or intensive caregiving roles becomes a reality again.
• For those challenged by feeling a bit down, persistently sad, or having lost interest in activities they usually enjoy for a few weeks now, Dr. Desai offers strategies to reach feeling significantly less isolated, better understood, and more adequately supported in managing a rare, complex, or poorly understood health condition due to Dr. Desai's unwavering commitment to their comprehensive care and willingness to learn alongside them, which can mean rediscovering the joy of breathing much more easily and deeply, actively participating in more physically strenuous or endurance-based activities, and effectively managing their chronic respiratory conditions (like asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis) with greater confidence and fewer limitations.

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

Dr. Desai practices at the Hospital Emergency Room, located in the North Shore (Brocklehurst, North Kamloops) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near Thompson Rivers University (TRU) and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

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. Desai's office. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for these requests to be processed by Dr. Desai. 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. Desai, 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.

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 the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

Does Dr. Desai at Hospital Emergency Room offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Desai at Hospital Emergency Room 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 our reception staff or Dr. Desai if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Hospital Emergency Room regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

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. Some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Hospital Emergency Room if you have questions about specific services or fees.

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

Check the website of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. They often have a 'Find a Doctor' tool. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. Finding a doctor may take time.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Desai?

Continuity of care means your family doctor, Dr. Desai, sees you regularly. This is valuable because he becomes familiar with your medical history and lifestyle, leading to quicker diagnoses, better treatment, and coordinated care.

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

Your family doctor is your primary healthcare provider, trained to care for a wide range of health issues. They manage illnesses and injuries, oversee chronic disease care, provide screenings and counseling, administer vaccinations, and refer you to specialists when needed. The continuity of care they provide is fundamental to effective family medicine.

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

Dr. Desai is equipped to be your central point of care for multiple health issues. He understands how your conditions and treatments interact, helps you navigate the healthcare system, and ensures all aspects of your health are considered in your treatment plan. He will work with you and other specialists for comprehensive management.

Hospital Emergency Room
126 King St
Kamloops, BC, V2B 3Z8

Phone: (250) 376-7855

Dr. Vikas Raman Desai 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: 23589

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/310841/Desai%2CVikas

Family doctors like Dr. Desai 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.