Excellence in Healthcare - 2017 by Glacier Specialty Publishing

excellence in

healthcare

2017 BC edition

excellence in

healthcare 2017 BC edition

Ò Health is the greatest gift.Ó buddha

Health care is something we are proud of in Canada – and rightly so. Our access to a wide variety of medical services, from preventative to acute care, makes our entire population stronger and more productive. The practitioners and health care providers you will read about in this publication demonstrate the great breadth of health care options available to Canadians, but they all have characteristics in common: their talent, skill, dedication and

experience and commitment to excellence – “an art won by training and habituation”, in the words of Aristotle – that shows why Canada is a leader and example in health. Glacier Media, one of Canada’s leading information communications companies, is proud to celebrate these dedicated professionals and this vital industry. Tim Shoults Vice-president, Content & Audience Development, Glacer Media

excellence in

healthcare 2017 BC edition

False Creek Healthcare Centre West Coast Medical Imaging Langley Orthodontics Coastal Sleep Edge Dental & Serena Dental Centre

publisher

Alvin Brouwer Director, sales + marketing

6 8 10

Michelle Bhatti manager, Specialty Projects

Keshav Sharma editorial

Ronda Payne design + production

Marina Rockey photography

North Vancouver Denture Clinic

We Care Home Health Services North Shore

David Buzzard

For enquires regarding the next edition, contact Keshav Sharma, Manager, Specialty Projects, Glacier Media Group, at 604-619-2933 or email ksharma@glaciermedia.ca

False Creek Healthcare Team at the top. Right: State of the Art facility in Vancouver.

False Creek Healthcare Centre When waiting isn«t an option for quality health care

What began as a small independent surgical facility in 1997, has grown to be a multi-faceted healthcare provider with more than 100 physicians and surgeons, who are experts in their fields, working with world-class equipment. False Creek Healthcare Centre is a source of outstanding patient care in the Lower Mainland. Dr. Mark Godley serves as the Medical Director of False Creek Healthcare and leads the team in delivering exceptional patient-centred care; whether it’s the diagnosis of an ongoing issue, a knee surgery, or guidance with women’s health issues. The multi-department facility is a one-stop, integrated centre for patient care in Vancouver. Every patient works with a patient care coordinator. These caring, compassionate individuals guide patients through their journey of care. They work with each patient to ensure their individual health care needs are courteously attended to. “We love our jobs and our coordinators truly care about what they do. They know patients have specialized needs and they are trained to hone in on those needs and ensure they get addressed quickly and efficiently,” Dr. Godley says. “The health system doesn’t always meet everyone’s needs. For example, there are many people waiting a year for orthopaedic surgery who are having a significant portion of their life impacted by pain and lack of mobility. We don’t believe patients should have to wait if they desire another option.” A wide variety of medical options are available at False Creek Healthcare. This includes; Family Practice, Executive Health and Wellness Programs, diagnostic imaging services, interventional radiology, a number of different surgical specialties, expedited specialist consultations, and

one of the largest plastic surgery teams in Vancouver. The organization is also extremely proud to be the preferred supplier of executive health and family practice services for the Vancouver Canucks executive team.

We don«t believe patients should have to wait if they desire another option. Dr. Mark Godley

“We welcome new patients calling to discuss their needs,” notes Dr. Godley. “Whether it’s a new health concern or the fact that they are on a surgery wait list and want to know how we can help.” Additionally, False Creek Healthcare has state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment from the first GE 3.0 Tesla MRI system in clinical use in Canada to a 64-slice volumetric CT scanner and advanced high definition ultrasound systems. Minimal wait times and expertise in diagnosis allow patients to receive answers faster and make informed decisions about their health care future. To review the scan results False Creek Healthcare partners with the VGH/UBC group of sub-specialty radiologists at Vancouver Imaging to provide patients with quick, confident diagnoses from renowned specialized experts. “You have a choice, that’s what we are able to offer. Choice,” Dr. Godley says. “We see many patients who pay privately or their company program pays. Patients may be local or may travel from other provinces and countries. The common thread is that they don’t want to wait to have their health care needs met and they won’t sacrifice on quality. You can use your own resources to take care of your health. It’s an option for you to look after yourself and your body.” With False Creek Healthcare Centre, rapid, expedited access to diagnostics, surgeons, specialists, and other healthcare professionals are just a phone call away. 6th Floor 555 West 8th Ave. Vancouver, Bc t 604.739.9695 w falsecreekhealthcare.com

TOP: DR. SUNIL DAJEE AND DR. JONATHON LEIPSIC. bottom: NEWLY BRANDED WCMI CLINIC. Right: ULTRASOUND ROOM AT WCMI CLINIC.

West Coast Medical Imaging COMMUNITY IMAGING CLINICS CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS SOLUTIONS IN ALLEVIATING OUTPATIENT IMAGING WAIT TIMES IN HOSPITALS, ALLOWING FOR TIMELY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT DECISION-MAKING.

West Coast Medical Imaging (WCMI), BC’s largest premium community imaging provider, works within the guidelines of the Medical Services Commission and the Ministry of Health to support the public health care system. WCMI services (except for private pay MRI) are fully covered under MSP when accompanied by a valid health card. The team at West Coast Medical Imaging includes the expertise of highly published and academic radiologist Dr. Jonathon Leipsic, who serves as the Chairman of the Department of Medical Imaging with Providence Health Care, and whose group provides radiology services for one third of WCMI clinics in the lower mainland. “What we pride ourselves on are a number of things: rapid turnaround, a modern facility, new equipment, use of digital technology, being patient focused and ease of access,” says Dr. Leipsic. “This community-located clinic format also offers a more patient-centered experience by eliminating emergency disruptions that may occur in a hospital setting, but also makes for easier access.” WCMI offers a comprehensive range of exams across 20 locations in British Columbia, including X-Ray, Ultrasound, MRI, Bone density, Fluoroscopy, Screening/Diagnostic mammography and Hysterosalpingograms. With an outstanding management team and some 175 professional and technical staff, ultrasound appointments can be accommodated within one week. This is a reflection of the commitment of the hands-on, patient-focused approach inherent in each team member. Referring physicians can expect reports within 48 hours (6 hour STAT), with images/reports conveniently accessible on a fully digitized platform via InteleConnect and InteleViewer. WCMI participates in the Pathways initiative with a dedicated physician’s fax line for requisitions. Patients with requisitions may request a “priority”

ultrasound exam from the website. For added convenience, appointments can be scheduled 7 days a week by calling 604-985-WCMI. “We aim to provide the best care possible for the patients and physicians we serve,” adds Dr. Leipsic. “Our focus is always on quality and rapid turnaround.”

What we pride ourselves on are a number of things: rapid turnaround, a modern facility, new equipment, use of digital technology, being patient focused and ease of access. Dr. Jonathon Leipsic

While WCMI accepts all requisitions, branded requisitions are EMR compatible and tailored requisitions can be designed exclusively to suit specialty and medical clinics. WCMI works closely with orthopedic and specialty clinics to provide a customized patient work flow. WCMI has embraced the dynamics of new technology. Three recently built clinics (Uptown mall-Victoria, Royal City Centre-New Westminster and City Centre One-Surrey), have been furnished with state-of-the-art digital equipment to provide superior images. Additional clinics (Surrey and Kerrisdale) will be purposebuilt in 2017 with a promise to deliver the best in revolutionary technology. The new GE 3.0T MRI SIGNA Pioneer scanner in Victoria continues to provide superb quality images, with the ability for non-invasive prostate health imaging and a reduced need for IV contrast. WCMI partners with the University of Victoria and other agencies to further MRI research studies. “We work together with both physicians and patients to ensure the best possible care and the best diagnosis. Ultimately, what we seek to do is to improve the quality and hopefully longevity of life. The first need is early diagnosis and that can improve the clinical outcome,” Dr. Leipsic emphasizes. With the ability to book prompt appointments for patients, provide timely reporting for physicians and access expert Radiologists (including hospital based groups), WCMI is well equipped to support the public health care system in providing optimal diagnostic imaging services in British Columbia.

WCMI Corporate Headquarters 203-828 Harbourside Dr. North Vancouver, BC t 604.985.WCMI (9264) W westcoastmedicalimaging.com

Dr. Aly Kanani, Owner and Certified Orthodontist Specialist. Right: Dr. Kanani caring for his patient.

Langley Orthodontics A beautifully aligned smile speaks for itself

With two technologically-advanced orthodontics offices: Langley Orthodontics and Guildford Orthodontic Centre, Dr. Aly Kanani is passionate about delivering beautiful smiles in the Lower Mainland. He’s the leading Invisalign specialist in the region and has quite literally written the books that illustrate his expertise. “I was involved in writing All Smiles! A Comprehensive Consumer’s Guide to Orthodontics and Invisalign with seven other leading orthodontists across North America. I was fortunate to write the introduction and the chapter on Invisalign,” he says. “Obviously I do more than Invisalign, but we have unique technical skills to treat most patients with Invisalign if requested,” he notes. “Patients love that it’s almost completely invisible, doesn’t require the look of standard braces yet costs about the same amount. After being involved in the care of over 3000 Invisalign patients, several of whom are dentists themselves, I am proud to say that we can handle most everything”. The other benefit to Invisalign is there are no food restrictions. The clear plastic aligners slip over teeth and are removed when eating. “They are ideal for teens because they aren’t obvious,” he adds. “And they have compliance indicators so parents can be sure they are worn enough for the desired effect.” Smiles and bite alignment are key to what Dr. Kanani does. While Invisalign is great, he presents the best options to patients, regardless of what they might be. Part of that ability is having an outstanding team which includes other orthodontic specialists hand-picked from numerous candidates by Dr. Kanani himself. Together they are better able to accommodate the variety of schedules patients have.

“Orthodontics are a different step in traditional dental care,” he says. “We use modern techniques and innovativeness, with a keen eye on subtle details to correct alignment of a patient’s teeth. We want to be sure the solution chosen is the right one. Everyone on the team recognizes this is a huge responsibility and one we feel honoured to offer.”

We«ve seen the transition a new smile can have in someone«s life whether it«s a teen or an adult. Dr. Aly Kanani

Dr. Kanani is most rewarded when he is able to transform the life of a patient who has a mouth that is severely misaligned. The treatment obviously will take longer, but rewards for both patient and the team at Langley Orthodontics and Guildford Orthodontic Centre are incredible. “It’s often something that can change a patient’s life,” he says. “I don’t say that lightly, I have been practicing for over a decade and some of my team members have been working in the field even longer; we’ve seen the transition a new smile can have in someone’s life whether it’s a teen or an adult.” In both of Dr. Kanani’s locations his staff welcomes a wide range of alignment issues. The team prides itself on taking time to customize each visit and solution to the patient – ensuring they understand tools used in the process. Technology plays a role here with the use of intraoral scanning technology to take virtual impressions of a mouth instead of traditional impressions. Dr. Kanani and his team maintain a fun environment and this includes the ‘Dr Aly Kanani Gives Back’ program where the team and members of the community recognize local youth for outstanding morals and leadership. In return, the community recognizes this outstanding orthodontics team. They have received the best orthodontist office in Surrey and Langley award several times and were recipients of the Vancouver 2017 BC Orthodontics award in the orthodontist business sector by the Consumer Choice Awards program.

Langley orthodontics Suite 201-19978 72nd Ave. Langley, BC t 604.533.6696 W langleyorthodontics.com guildford orthodontics Suite 200-10203 152A st. Surrey, BC t 604.589.2212 W guildfordorthodontics.com

Team at Coastal Sleep (left to Right): Onkar Rai RRT, Andrew Bailon RRT, Shannon Read RRT, Kelly Ramos, Simmie Rai RRT, Ashley Le, and Paul Sweeney RRT.

Coastal Sleep Experts in a Better Night«s Sleep, Close to Home

If there’s one thing people like to talk about even more than the weather, it’s sleep. It can become a competition to see who in the room is running on the least amount; whether it’s blamed on a partner who snores, stress, or an unknown issue. For those who rise each morning without feeling rested, the team at Coastal Sleep is ready to lend a hand to get your sleep back on track. With six convenient locations from Abbotsford to Vancouver, this team is passionate about helping people get the sleep they need to function well, rejuvenate their bodies, and live happier lives. Owners Paul Sweeney and Onkar Rai started Coastal Sleep in 2002 for exactly those reasons. They also saw the lack of quality equipment; lack of patient care; and lengthy sleep lab waits. “We are both Registered Respiratory Therapists and have seen how underdiagnosed sleep apnea can be,” Paul says. “About one in five adults have mild obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common type. About 75% of cases go undiagnosed.” Their network of clinics help to combat the issues a lack of sleep can cause (impaired cognition, higher risk of car accidents, increased sexual problems and more) and to do so with the highest level of patient care. “People are now more motivated to get help,” notes Onkar. “And CPAP systems are the gold standard for treatment.” As CPAP systems have grown smaller, more comfortable, quieter and more efficient, they’ve also become more technologically advanced. The team of 25 in the Coastal Sleep clinics work together with patients to ensure a complete understanding of the options and benefits of each CPAP system they offer.

“We get to see patients progress through their lack of sleep and the health issues it has caused,” says Paul. “It’s very rewarding.”

We«re one of the only sleep clinics to offer life-time support from a therapist. Onkar Rai

At Coastal Sleep, everyone is treated individually. This begins with free testing that includes a questionnaire and assessment of medical risks with a therapist. If test results reveal treatment is recommended, the team takes the time to educate and review options for each patient’s specific needs. All of this can be done in a number of languages to ensure patients fully understand the process. “There’s a one-hour set-up, a video and then follow-up to make sure everything is working,” Onkar says. “We can also dive into the data the machine tracks. This kind of support is available to our patients for life. We’re one of the only sleep clinics to offer life-time support from a therapist that includes set-up, post-testing, reports to doctors and annual follow-ups.” Paul and Onkar even donate used CPAP machines when they are traded in. It’s their belief that everyone deserves a proper night’s sleep. The Coastal Sleep team also helps with your extended health paperwork. “Everyone here likes to work with people, to see them achieve better health,” notes Paul. “We get you tested quickly and easily whether you’ve been referred by your doctor or walked in off the street.” If you’ve been struggling with getting enough sleep, aren’t feeling rested upon awakening or have a partner complaining about your snoring, talk to the caring experts at Coastal Sleep.

Multiple Locations t 1.877.241.9066 W Coastalsleep.ca

Dr. Sally Rassamanesh at her state of the art clinic at North Vancouver. Right: Helpful Support Staff.

Edge Dental & Serena Dental Centre Passion and top-of-the-line technology create an outstanding dental experience

When a dentist merges cutting-edge technology with compassionate, patientdriven oral-care, the only possible outcome is a superior dental experience that is unique and tailored to the individual. From one-day crowns to regular checkups, EDGE Dental in North Vancouver’s Edgemont Village is the unparalleled source for progressive dentistry.

tool allows for one-visit crowns created on-site, eliminating the need for molds or return visits. New permanent crowns are completed within a couple of hours.

Contemporary, modern and dynamic are a few of the words patients use to describe the environment at EDGE Dental. Yet, this clinic is also comfortable and friendly by design. Dr. Sally Rassamanesh worked with designers to custom-craft the flow of every experience from the first steps in the door to reclining in the dental chairs. The clinic is purposefully developed to help patients feel at ease.

Dr. Sally and her team seek out the best equipment possible to create outstanding patient experiences and exceptional oralhealth. This forward-thinking approach and the associated continual training ensures the team evolves and applies the constant progress and improvements in their industry keeping EDGE Dental at the forefront.

Combined with the fresh interior at EDGE Dental and Dr. Sally’s other practice, SeRena Dental Centre in North Delta, her staff live by the belief that many dental teams can do a great job with teeth, but few do it with an absolute heart-felt focus on their patients as individuals. The positive energy is contagious and the team is driven to make sure patients are happy. “I make good connections with people,” Dr. Sally says. “I love my job, I’m passionate about dentistry and making people feel better about their smile. We are a very tight team at both EDGE Dental and SeRena Dental. Everybody feels the same way. We love our work and we love interacting with our patients.” Where EDGE Dental takes your oral-health yet another step further is with the integration of leading-edge tools in modern dentistry. As earlyadopters, the team makes use of the latest advancements like the CEREC CAD-CAM digital technology. This new

I«m passionate about dentistry and making people feel better about their smile. Dr. Sally Rassamanesh

It’s an illustration of Dr. Sally’s commitment to patient-care from the reception area to the instruments in every treatment room.

There is a uniqueness about EDGE Dental in that they provide all the things you’d expect from a general dental practice: checkups, fillings, bridge work, crowns, smile makeovers, teeth whitening and more; but it’s how the entire team does it that makes all the difference. “I find that listening to my patients and to my team is an essential element in the way I practice dentistry,” she notes. “It allows me to better understand a patient’s health care plan and budget so we can maximize those resources to give them the best dentistry possible within their limits. It’s important we are able to do that for them.” The compassion Dr. Sally and the team have extends beyond their office in the support they give regularly to the BC Children’s Hospital and the BC Cancer Agency. It’s just another way they show others they care about teeth and more.

edge dental centre 204-3053 Edgemont Blvd. North Vancouver, BC t 604.988.0377 w edge-dental.com Serena Dental Centre 11158 84 Ave. North Delta, BC t 604.594.0588 w serena-dental.com

Brent Der caring for the patient. Right: Outside view of the clinic at North Vancouver.

North Vancouver Denture Clinic The art and science of dentures

There are a lot people wearing dentures – it’s definitely a lot more common than you might think. The fact that you don’t notice them is a testament to the exceptional work of denturists like Brent Der. It’s part art and part science and very few individuals have the expertise Brent has. In fact, he was one of just eight students admitted to the specialized school he graduated from about six years ago. “The scope of a denturist is very narrow,” Brent explains. “You need to do a dexterity exam as well as an aptitude test to be admitted to denturist school.” As interesting as it is that Brent made it into the program, it becomes even more so when you learn his brother did too and is also a denturist. In addition to owning and operating North Vancouver Denture Clinic, Brent and his brother own another denture clinic in Prince George, B.C. Their father was a dental technician, so perhaps the apples fell close to the tree in this family. Brent picked up his interest in the dentistry field from being around his dad in the dental lab. When he graduated denturist school and completed his apprenticeship, he went on to purchase North Vancouver Denture Clinic. While many people visit a denturist because of referrals from their dentist, it isn’t necessary to have a referral. Brent advises people can walk right in to his clinic and discuss their needs because there are a surprising number of reasons dentures may be required. “We are a full-service denture clinic so we can provide complete dentures, dentures over implants, partial dentures and we can provide these services directly to the public,” he says.

disease, illness or a variety of other reasons, individuals may lose teeth that need replacement for better appearance and functions like eating, smiling and talking.

We take such specialized training it helps us do a great job for our patients. Brent Der

The dentures Brent creates are a far cry from what your grandparents or great grandparents were exposed to. “The materials we use now are so much better than what was used even a few decades ago,” he says. “They are far more resistant to deterioration, they look much better and we’re also able to take advantage of digital and technological advancements in the work we do.” These new dentures are also superior in their fit and comfort. “A good practitioner that understands how to get the best fit over the soft tissue is the primary reason we see dentures that are more comfortable,” Brent says. “We take such specialized training it helps us do a great job for our patients.” Those patients are a big reason why Brent and his team at North Vancouver Denture Clinic do what they do. He and his staff members work together to create a positive patient experience in their bright, friendly office. “We may not be as formal as other medical offices,” notes Brent. “We like to get to know our patients. So many of them have incredible life stories and that’s part of why I love my job.” While he may have acquired his skill set through his genes, Brent certainly developed an early aptitude for creating dentures that work for his patients.

Dentures are a solution for anyone with adult teeth looking to replace one or more of them. Through injury, trauma, gum 231 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver, BC t 604.986.8515 w Northvancouverdentureclinic.com

Caregiver with a Happy Client. Right: Barb Macdonald Owner of We Care North Vancouver with her team.

We Care – a part of CBI Health Group Connecting the dots for better health care

B.C.’s health care system is complex, making it challenging to navigate: what care is needed, who should provide it, and what is the best location to receive the right form of health care? It’s often during a time of crisis when many British Columbians come face-to-face with working their way through the system. Finding guidance and answering questions like these can be frustrating and add stress to what is likely already a stressful situation. For decades, we turned to our family doctor or general practitioner, but with changes to the health care system, a GP’s time and availability isn’t always convenient, not to mention the many families unable to find a primary doctor accepting new patients. Yet, having a trusted partner can help make the complicated system easier to navigate and help with the best possible health outcomes. For the last 20 years, Barb MacDonald, RN, and her team at We Care Home Health Services in North Vancouver have been providing quality home care services to the community. This group of dedicated individuals strive to become that point-person who helps make sense of health care together with you – whether the needs are your own or that of a loved one. Barb understands the growing need to offer new and unique models of care in and out of the home along with more integrated teams of experts. That’s why she and her team recently announced they will join CBI Health Group as CBI Home Health North Vancouver in 2017.

“Our focus has and always will be on providing our clients with excellent care,” said Barb. “By joining the country’s largest network of integrated community health services, we can assemble interdisciplinary teams to meet our partners’ and clients’ needs. This will improve service delivery and deliver better health outcomes.”

Our focus has and always will be on providing our clients with excellent care. Barb MacDonald

The re-branding to CBI Home Health has given Barb an even greater sense of pride in her work. Her team will continue to provide the same services out of her North Vancouver office and will now be able to work collaboratively with a complete range of health professionals to offer care tailored to partners and clients across the country. CBI Health Group has 17 CBI Home Health offices and 46 CBI Health Centre clinics (offering client-focused physiotherapy and rehabilitation services) in British Columbia. “I’m excited to be able to bring together the services, professionals, and resources to tackle our clients’ unique healthcare challenges,” said MacDonald. “It’s an amazing thing to be able to connect the dots for better care. Whether you have aging parents who live in another province, you are an injured worker returning home from the hospital, an expectant mother, or have a child with developmental delays; we have a network behind us that can help.” CBI began 40 years ago with the insight that better educated patients experience better outcomes and grew to become the expert in identifying healthcare system gaps. By finding the expertise that fills those gaps, CBI improves access to quality care for individuals and organizations through a network of health care and support professionals 11,000 strong.

301-145 West 15th St. North Vancouver, BC t 604.980.6350 W wecare.ca

Health is where we live, learn, work and play.

Healthier You is an innovative health and wellness magazine, published by Glacier Media Group, one of the largest publishers of specialty publications in Canada. Healthier You offers readers in depth features on health professionals, events and issues that have an impact on B.C. Communities, as well as informed articles designed to help the people of B.C. live healthier lives. With three different editions, Healthier You offers a targeted and qualified readership in Vancouver Coastal region, Fraser Valley region and Northern Health region. Join the growing network of businesses and organizations supporting health improvement and benefit from the valuable exposure of Healthier You publications. For further details, please contact Keshav Sharma, Manager of Specialty Projects at 604-619-2933 or ksharma@glaciermedia.ca

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