Dr. William Henry Abelson is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Prince George in Prince George, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic is located in Downtown Prince George, Central, near Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre, offering accessible and discreet consultation services. It is conveniently reachable via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit), with accessible facilities designed for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. The environment ensures professionalism and confidentiality for patients seeking specialized infectious disease management.
He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in every aspect of patient care. Dr. Abelson's focus is on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention strategies for a broad spectrum of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment protocols.
With extensive postgraduate training, Dr. Abelson graduated with his MD from the University of Toronto in 1980. Following medical school, he completed residency training, followed by a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. He is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His professional development emphasizes staying current with evolving infectious disease research and treatment approaches.
Dr. Abelson’s professional philosophy centers on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. He is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and managing complex infections in vulnerable populations. His approach emphasizes collaboration with primary care providers, public health entities, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and community health. All communication and patient care are conducted in English, ensuring clear understanding and reassurance for his patients.
Dr. William Abelson provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Infections in Immunocompromised Patients
Dr. Abelson manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.
- Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Management of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) related infections.
- Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
- Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: May involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic antimicrobials.
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Abelson manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
- Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Symptoms often include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
- Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause serious illness in immunocompromised individuals or when acquired during pregnancy.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Abelson manages a wide range of illnesses caused by bacteria, affecting various parts of the body.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Managed in collaboration with orthopedic specialists.
- Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. William Abelson is necessary.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Management of complex TB treatment regimens, including drug-resistant TB.
- Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Consultation for prevention of device-related infections.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Specialized care for patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions like organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, or immunodeficiency disorders.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Development and implementation of antimicrobial guidelines and protocols.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
- Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Expertise in selecting targeted therapies to optimize outcomes and minimize resistance.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Abelson.
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 Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Abelson practices at an infectious disease clinic situated in the heart of Downtown Prince George, Central, in close proximity to Exploration Place Museum & Science Centre. The clinic is easily accessible via the Prince George Transit System (BC Transit). Patients can expect a professional, discreet environment equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care. Parking options are usually available nearby, providing convenient access for patients seeking specialized infectious disease services in Prince George.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Abelson specialize in?
- An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Abelson, is a medical doctor (MD) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illnesses caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They manage a wide range of complex infections, including those that are difficult to diagnose, are severe, or occur in patients with weakened immune systems. A Infectious Disease Specialist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Abelson?
- You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Abelson if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Abelson?
- 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. Abelson for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Abelson receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 563-4045.
- What is Dr. Abelson's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Dr. Abelson 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.
- Are services from Dr. Abelson covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Abelson under Medical Services Plan (MSP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
an infectious disease clinic in Prince George
512-1669 Victoria St
Prince George, BC V2L 2L5
Office Phone: (250) 563-4550 | Office Fax: (250) 563-4045
Dr. Abelson 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. Abelson, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Abelson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/351957/Abelson%2CWilliam