About
Dr. Zamil Karim is a dedicated Gastroenterologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of disorders affecting the digestive system in adult patients, and may also see older adolescents for certain conditions. Practicing at Dr Karim Zamil in Surrey, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive care for a wide range of digestive system disorders, including conditions affecting the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas, utilizing diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. His approach emphasizes patient-centered care, aiming to improve quality of life through precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plans. The practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based medical services.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Gastroenterologist through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training included extensive postgraduate education in advanced digestive health procedures and clinical management, equipping him with the expertise to handle complex gastrointestinal cases. He is committed to staying current with evolving medical knowledge and techniques in the field of gastroenterology.
Dr. Karim’s clinical philosophy centers on delivering evidence-based digestive health care, emphasizing patient education about gastrointestinal conditions and lifestyle modifications. He prioritizes early and accurate diagnosis through the use of advanced diagnostic and endoscopic procedures. His goal is to develop personalized treatment strategies that align with each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for residents of Surrey. He provides services in English, fostering clear communication and patient understanding throughout the diagnostic and treatment process.
Dr. Zamil Karim diagnoses and treats a wide range of digestive system disorders, including:
Functional Gastrointestinal & Motility Disorders
- Rumination Syndrome: A condition in which people repeatedly and unintentionally spit up (regurgitate) undigested or partially digested food from the stomach, rechew it, and then reswallow it or spit it out.
- Chronic Idiopathic Constipation (CIC) & Opioid-Induced Constipation (OIC): Persistent constipation that does not have an identifiable underlying cause (CIC) or is a side effect of opioid medications (OIC).
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurrent, stereotypical episodes of intense nausea and vomiting lasting for hours or days, with symptom-free intervals in between.
Small & Large Intestine (Colorectal) Disorders
- Ischemic Colitis: Inflammation and injury of the large intestine that results from inadequate blood flow.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (Obscure & Overt): Bleeding anywhere along the digestive tract, which can be visible (overt) or hidden (occult/obscure), requiring investigation to identify and treat the source.
Esophageal, Stomach & Upper GI Disorders
- Hiatal Hernia & Paraesophageal Hernia: Condition where part of the stomach pushes upward through an opening (hiatus) in the diaphragm into the chest, potentially contributing to GERD and other symptoms.
- Esophageal Motility Disorders (e.g., Achalasia, Esophageal Spasms, Nutcracker Esophagus): Disorders affecting the coordinated muscle movements of the esophagus required for swallowing, leading to symptoms like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), chest pain, and regurgitation.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific digestive condition, please consult with Dr. Zamil Karim.
- ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) - Diagnostic & Therapeutic: Specialized procedure combining upper endoscopy and X-rays to diagnose and treat problems of the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as gallstone removal from bile duct, stent placement for strictures or leaks, and sphincterotomy.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management (including subtypes IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M): Multifaceted approach to managing IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, mixed pattern) including thorough exclusion of other conditions, dietary modifications (e.g., low FODMAP diet), lifestyle changes, stress management, and targeted medications.
- Management of Common & Chronic Digestive Symptoms: Investigating and treating common but potentially disruptive digestive symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and unexplained weight loss.
- Chromoendoscopy & Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g., NBI, FICE): Use of special dye sprays (chromoendoscopy) or electronic light filters (Narrow Band Imaging, Fuji Intelligent Chromo Endoscopy) during endoscopy to enhance visualization of mucosal patterns and improve detection of subtle lesions or precancerous changes.
- Comprehensive Gastroenterology Consultation & Digestive Health Assessment: In-depth assessment of digestive system disorders, including detailed review of medical history, family history, lifestyle factors, physical examination, symptom analysis, and development of a personalized diagnostic and treatment strategy.
- Endoscopic Hemostasis for Acute & Chronic GI Bleeding: Various endoscopic techniques (e.g., injection therapy, thermal coagulation/APC, mechanical clips, hemostatic sprays) used to stop acute or recurrent bleeding from ulcers, varices, angiodysplasias, or tumors in the GI tract.
- Endoscopic Dilation of Gastrointestinal Strictures (Esophageal, Pyloric, Colonic): Procedure to stretch narrowed areas (strictures) in the esophagus (e.g., due to reflux, EoE), stomach outlet (pylorus), small intestine, or colon using balloons or Savary-Gilliard dilators passed through an endoscope.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Specific procedures and treatments are determined after a thorough evaluation. Discuss with Dr. Karim for care relevant to your specific condition.
All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant gastroenterological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Karim Zamil practices in Surrey’s vibrant neighborhoods of Guildford and Fraser Heights, conveniently situated near Scott Road SkyTrain Station and Boundary with Delta. The facility is easily accessible via TransLink, with options including SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus services. The practice location is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing additional convenience for those arriving by private vehicle. The practice’s central location makes it an ideal choice for residents seeking expert digestive health care in a welcoming environment.
- Are consultations and procedures like endoscopies with Dr. Karim, a Gastroenterologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Gastroenterologist like Dr. Karim, as well as most diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopies for investigating symptoms, biopsies for medical reasons) and treatments for provincially insured digestive conditions (e.g., IBD, celiac disease, screening colonoscopies as per provincial guidelines, liver disease management), are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Procedures considered purely for screening outside of guidelines, or for non-medical reasons, and some advanced technologies or specific drug therapies might have different coverage. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment or procedure with Dr. Karim's office, the hospital/clinic's financial services, or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand.
- Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Karim, a Gastroenterologist?
- Yes, in nearly all cases, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (such as an internist or surgeon) is required to schedule an appointment with a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Karim for services covered by the provincial health plan. Gastroenterological issues often require initial assessment and preliminary investigations by your primary care provider. The referral ensures that a specialist consultation is appropriate, helps with prioritizing appointments, and facilitates coordinated care, including the transfer of relevant medical information.
- What exactly does a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Karim specialize in?
- A Gastroenterologist, often called a GI specialist, is a medical doctor who has undergone extensive specialized training beyond medical school and internal medicine residency to diagnose, treat, and manage diseases of the entire digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon (large intestine), rectum, anus, as well as associated organs like the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. He is a Gastroenterologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and procedural management of digestive system disorders. Dr. Karim is skilled in performing endoscopic procedures (like gastroscopy and colonoscopy) for both diagnosis and treatment, interpreting complex diagnostic tests, and developing comprehensive management plans for a wide variety of acute and chronic digestive health issues.
- What are some common procedures a Gastroenterologist like Dr. Karim typically performs?
- Gastroenterologists like Dr. Karim are highly skilled in performing a range of endoscopic procedures. The most common are upper endoscopy (also called EGD or gastroscopy) to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy to visualize the entire colon. During these procedures, He can take biopsies (small tissue samples for analysis), remove polyps (which can prevent colon cancer), dilate narrowed areas (strictures), control bleeding, and place feeding tubes. Other procedures may include flexible sigmoidoscopy (examining the lower colon), capsule endoscopy (swallowing a tiny camera to see the small intestine), and more specialized interventions like ERCP or EUS depending on their training and practice focus. Many also specialize in managing specific areas like hepatology (liver disease) or IBD.
Dr Karim Zamil
704-9639 137A St
Surrey, BC V3T 0M1
Phone: (604) 588-2777 | Fax: (604) 588-2771
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Karim is a licensed Gastroenterologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or appropriate specialist is typically required for consultations with Dr. Karim for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332090/Karim%2CZamil