Dr. Yao Yao – Family Doctor | Gibsons, BC

Dr. Yao Yao is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Gibsons, BC, she is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. She is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. Her focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. She serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Yao Yao completed her MD (University of British Columbia, 2013). She brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. She holds Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). She has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. She is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of her practice philosophy include fostering continuity of care and building long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing a trusted medical home; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. She is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Mandarin.

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

Adult Common Health Issues

• Anemia (Iron Deficiency, Vitamin B12/Folate Deficiency - Diagnosis & Management): Managing common types of nutritional anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (oral or intravenous iron supplementation, dietary advice to increase iron intake and absorption, investigation for source of chronic blood loss if suspected - e.g., GI bleed, heavy menses) and megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency (oral or parenteral supplementation, dietary counseling, investigation for underlying causes like pernicious anemia, malabsorption syndromes - celiac disease, Crohn's, post-gastric surgery, medication effects - metformin, PPIs).
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) - Initial Assessment & Management: Providing initial management strategies for RLS, including lifestyle modifications (e.g., regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, avoiding caffeine/alcohol close to bedtime), checking and correcting iron deficiency (ferritin levels), and considering pharmacological options (e.g., dopamine agonists like pramipexole/ropinirole, gabapentin enacarbil) for moderate to severe, frequent symptoms that significantly impact sleep or quality of life. Referral to neurology or sleep specialist for complex or refractory cases.
• Venous Insufficiency & Varicose Veins (Conservative Management & Lifestyle Advice): Primary care support for managing discomfort and preventing complications associated with venous disease. Referral to vascular specialists or phlebologists for more advanced treatments (e.g., sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, surgery) if symptoms are severe, progressive, or complicated by ulceration or recurrent phlebitis.

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Assessing symptoms of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep/appetite) and other mood disorders. Offering empathetic supportive counseling, discussing and initiating treatment options including lifestyle interventions, evidence-based antidepressant medications, and facilitating referrals to psychotherapy or psychiatry for moderate to severe or treatment-resistant cases.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.

Preventative Health Topics

• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• 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.
• Weight Management & Obesity Prevention/Treatment: Personalized advice and comprehensive care plans for healthy weight loss, prevention of unhealthy weight gain, or management of obesity and its related health conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, certain cancers).

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

• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Diagnosis and management of common acne (comedonal, papulopustular) and rosacea with topical treatments (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical antibiotics, metronidazole, azelaic acid), oral antibiotics (if indicated), and lifestyle/skincare advice. Referral to dermatology for severe or recalcitrant cases.
• Management of Acute Dermatological Conditions (Rashes, Hives, Shingles): Providing care for various acute dermatological concerns, offering treatment options (topical or oral) and referrals to dermatology if needed for severe or complex cases.
• Smoking & Tobacco Cessation Programs & Support: Providing evidence-based resources, behavioral strategies, and relapse prevention planning to overcome nicotine addiction and achieve long-term cessation.
• Urgent Care for Non-Life-Threatening Conditions: Offering same-day or next-day appointments where possible for acute health problems.
• Skin Lesion Assessment, Biopsy & Minor Excisions (Benign Lesions): Differentiating between benign and suspicious skin lesions, with prompt biopsy or referral to dermatology if skin cancer is suspected.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Yao. 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 Dr. Yao Yao's practice, 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. Yao frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Managing wishing to discuss advance care planning, making a living will, or appointing a healthcare proxy effectively is a priority for Dr. Yao. The aim is their children developing a consistently positive attitude towards healthcare interactions and feeling remarkably comfortable, safe, and trusting during medical check-ups, immunizations, and even minor procedures with {preferred_name}, which helps patients get back to enjoying feeling mentally sharp, agile, and capable enough to readily engage in complex problem-solving tasks, intricate strategic thinking exercises, or detailed analytical work required in their profession or personal projects.
• Patients experiencing symptoms of a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) like burning pain, increased frequency, or urgency to urinate often seek Dr. Yao's help to improve their quality of life. A key goal is having their children's physical growth parameters, crucial cognitive and language development, and social-emotional well-being consistently and meticulously monitored by {preferred_name} during regular well-child visits, with any emerging concerns or developmental deviations addressed promptly, appropriately, and effectively, supporting their return to activities like comfortably and confidently navigating crowded, stimulating public spaces like busy shopping malls, bustling farmers' markets, large airports, or public transit hubs without feeling overwhelmed, excessively stressed, or physically unsafe.
• The path to wellness when facing their child having recurrent nosebleeds that seem excessive involves working towards receiving proactive preventative care and targeted health screenings from {preferred_name} that very likely averted a more serious, costly, or even life-threatening health issue from developing unnoticed or progressing to an advanced stage. Dr. Yao guides patients so they can again enjoy confidently travelling domestically for weekend getaways or internationally for extended explorations with greater assurance in their health, stamina, and ability to manage new foods, climates, and environments successfully.

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

Dr. Yao's practice is located at a family medical clinic in Gibsons, situated in a family medical practice in the central Gibsons neighborhood of Gibsons. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

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

Finding a family doctor in BC who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool or list on their website. You can also ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly may also be helpful. It may take time to find a doctor.

What if Dr. Yao works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Yao?

Dr. Yao practices as part of a team-based practice, which often means you have access to a range of healthcare professionals like nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, or pharmacists working together. While the goal is always to promote continuity with your primary family doctor, Dr. Yao, for some urgent issues, routine follow-ups, or specific services, you might be seen by another trusted member of the team. This collaborative approach can enhance access to care and provide comprehensive support. The clinic will always strive to have you see Dr. Yao for complex or ongoing issues where that continuity is most crucial.

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. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes for work/school, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Yao?

An initial 'meet and greet' or new patient visit with Dr. Yao usually involves a thorough discussion about your health. Be prepared to talk about your personal and family medical history, current medications and dosages, any ongoing health issues, and your overall lifestyle. Dr. Yao will want to understand your health needs and what you expect from your family doctor. Some doctors may perform a physical exam during this first visit, or it might be scheduled for a subsequent appointment. This initial consultation is key to building a therapeutic patient-doctor relationship.

What should I do if I have an urgent medical issue when the clinic is closed?

If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues that cannot wait until our clinic reopens, you may consider visiting an urgent care centre or a walk-in clinic. Some family health teams or groups offer after-hours on-call services for their registered patients; please check with our clinic or Dr. Yao during regular hours to see if such arrangements are in place for their practice. Our clinic voicemail [(604) 886-2868] may also provide instructions or resources for after-hours care.

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

Continuity of care means having an ongoing relationship with your family doctor, Dr. Yao, and her team over time. It's important because it allows Dr. Yao to get to know you, your health history, your values, and your family context comprehensively. This deep understanding helps Dr. Yao make more informed diagnoses, tailor treatments to your specific needs, coordinate your care more effectively with specialists, and build a trusting therapeutic relationship. Studies show that good continuity of care with a family doctor is linked to better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and more appropriate use of healthcare resources.

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

A family doctor, often called a general practitioner (GP), is a medical doctor specializing in comprehensive primary healthcare for individuals and families across all ages and life stages. They serve as your first point of contact for most health concerns, offering preventative care (like check-ups, immunizations, and health screenings), diagnosing and treating acute illnesses (such as infections or minor injuries), managing chronic conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma), providing mental health support, and coordinating your care by referring you to specialists when necessary. A key aspect of their role is building long-term relationships with patients to promote overall health and well-being.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in BC?

Generally, you do not need a referral from another doctor 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. Provincial resources, like a local health authority website or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC patient-doctor matching service (if available), may be helpful. A referral is usually required from a family doctor to see most medical specialists.

211-1100 Sunshine Coast Hwy, Gibsons Medical Clinic
Gibsons, BC, V0N 1V7

Phone: (604) 886-2868

Dr. Yao Yao 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: 68088

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335044/Yao%2CYao

Family doctors like Dr. Yao 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.