Dr. Willie Jay Pewarchuk – Internist / Geriatrician | Duncan, BC

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Willie Jay Pewarchuk serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Duncan, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. His practice is committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to each patient's unique needs, always adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Pewarchuk’s role emphasizes a holistic approach to adult and senior health, focusing on improving quality of life and functional independence.

Dr. Pewarchuk graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Alberta in 1984. He has completed relevant postgraduate training and obtained key certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, ensuring his expertise aligns with current best practices and standards in British Columbia. His ongoing professional development reflects his dedication to staying current with advances in his field.

His clinical philosophy is warm and community-oriented, emphasizing personalized care and respectful communication. He is committed to serving the Duncan community and surrounding areas, speaking English fluently. Dr. Pewarchuk strives to foster trusting relationships with his patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported and empowered in their health journeys.

Dr. Pewarchuk 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.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Dr. Pewarchuk 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.

• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Pewarchuk. 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. Pewarchuk'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. Pewarchuk's practice is located near the central Duncan area, conveniently accessible from surrounding neighborhoods and local points of interest. Patients can easily reach the clinic via public transit, which serves the Duncan area well. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Pewarchuk 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. Pewarchuk. 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 do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Pewarchuk's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Pewarchuk uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

What exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders, Cardiovascular Conditions), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

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. Dr. Pewarchuk, 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.

3106 Gibbins Rd, Cowichan Medical Center
Duncan, BC V9L 1E8

Phone: (250) 748-1323 | Fax: (250) 748-0222

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Pewarchuk 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/307677/Pewarchuk%2CWillie