Dr. John Wade

Dr. John Wade

MD, FRCPC
Rheumatologist
Vancouver, BC
Bio & Education  
NEW Treatments Methods  

Dr. John Wade Bio

Dr. John Wade is a highly respected rheumatologist based in Canada who has made significant contributions to the field of rheumatology and the treatment of arthritis. He completed his medical studies at the University of British Columbia and Harvard Medical School, which provided him with a solid foundation in medical education. Upon returning to Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia,

Dr. Wade dedicated his efforts to optimizing care for patients with arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. He believes that outstanding clinical and diagnostic assessment, coupled with advancements in therapeutics over the past decade, have significantly improved the lives of arthritis patients. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Wade has played a crucial role in training future generations of doctors.

He has served as the Head of the Division of Rheumatology at Vancouver General Hospital and as the Post Graduate Medical Director in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. These positions allowed him to shape the education and training of medical students and residents, ensuring they receive the necessary knowledge and skills to provide excellent care to arthritis patients. Dr. Wade's commitment to education extends beyond his work with medical students and residents. He has been actively involved in continuing medical education for over 20 years and believes that learning is a lifelong experience. He has chaired numerous local, national, and international medical meetings, focusing on both internal medicine and rheumatology. Through these efforts, Dr. Wade strives to enhance doctors' knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes. At ARTUS Health Centre, Dr. Wade and his colleagues work together to provide outstanding care for patients with arthritis. Their collective expertise and dedication ensure that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. 

Dr. John Wade is a renowned rheumatologist and a leader in the field. His contributions to medical education, his commitment to advancing patient care, and his expertise in rheumatology have made a significant impact on the lives of arthritis. His ongoing research is in the areas of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis and the appropriate use of diagnostic tests in the management of connective tissue diseases.

 

A selection of Dr John Wades Videos : 

How do you Treat Pseudogout

Understanding and Diagnosing Pseudogout

Leflunomide and Pregnancy

Stopping Prednisone - How to Titrate Safely

Prednisone and Side Effects

Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis

What is Acetaminophen and When Is It Used?

What is The Importance of Vitamin D


( Dr. John Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC) is in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

If you are looking for local services or  treatment from your local rheumatologist   in the office or hospital from a Rheumatologist, contact a provider such as ( Dr. John Wade ) to inquire if they are accepting patients or you need a referral.   Phone number to book an appointment 604 875 1570

The speaker in the video may have no association with ( Dr. John Wade, Rheumatologist Vancouver, BC ). 
( Dr. John Wade, Rheumatologist Vancouver, BC ), may talk about some of the conditions and some of the treatment options shown on the videos. Always talk with your Local Rheumatologist  about the information you learnt from the videos in regards to treatments and procedures the Local Rheumatologist could  perform and if they would be appropriate for you. Remember good information is the corner stone to understanding your condition or disease.

A local rheumatologist can work with your other health providers such as your local registered dietitian, orthopedic surgeon, cardiologist, family physician, kinesiologist and local physiotherapist.

Please contact ( Dr. John Wade, Rheumatologist Vancouver, BC ) to enquire if this health care provider is accepting new patients.  Trouvez des informations ou des prouveurs locaux comme un rhumatologue local à montréal et à québec

Biosimilars are biological products used in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. They are biological products produced from pre-existing Biologics. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. At first, rheumatoid arthritis usually only attacks a few joints, but over time it affects more. Early treatment is important as it can make the disease more likely to go into remission. Unlike some other types of arthritis, the chronic swelling from RA can cause permanent damage to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis treatments include disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), analgesics (painkillers) and biologics (medications produced from living organisms or components of living organisms).

Uric acid is a natural waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods and are also produced by the body. Normally, the kidneys filter out the uric acid, and it is excreted in urine. However, in people with gout, either the body produces excessive uric acid or the kidneys are unable to remove it efficiently, resulting in high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Why did you choose your current profession?

My father was a doctor.

Who influenced your profession choice the most?

My father influenced my choice of profession the most.

Education

  • University of British Columbia
    MD
    1976 - 1980
  • University of British Columbia
    Fellowship Royal College of Canada Internal Medicine 1985
    1981 - 1985
  • University of British Columbia
    1985 - 1986
    Fellowship training in Rheumatology one year
  • Harvard Medical School
    1986 - 1988
    Fellowship training in Rheumatology two years

Featured Recipes

Creamy Crescendo® Sweet Pointed Pepper Soup

Vegan Tacos with Tomatoes & Pickled Hot Peppers

Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Turkey Breast

Tuna Nicoise Salad

Medical Tips and Action Plan ( 100 engaged.)

Open and print the educational action plan for conversation with your Healthcare provider.

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions: ( 23 participated.)

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions
 
True
False
1

In a patient that has osteoporosis, the risks of bone fracture are much higher than any risks associated with taking osteoporosis related medications.

2

A patient who is high risk for bone fractures have a greater than 20% risk of getting a fracture.

3

Patients with Osteoporosis need to focus more on muscle strength and posture rather than preventing bone fractures.

4

Bone fractures can cause morbidity as well as mortality.  For example, a woman who gets a hip fracture has a 23% chance of dying in the following 2 years.

5

A person who gets a bone fracture will have a 40% chance of having another bone fracture at some point in the future. This is one reason it is so important to focus on the prevention of bone fractures.

Related Topics

Recent Health Talks Authored by Dr. John Wade

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Gout " George is a 46-year-old plumber with pain and swelling in his big toe"
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    Diagnosis and Treatment of Gout " George is a 46-year-old plumber with pain and swelling in his big toe"

    George is a 46-year-old plumber who recently has developed episodes of pain and swelling in his big toe. George is on medication for high blood pressure. The most recent episode came after a birthday celebration where he probably had more alcohol than he should have. He is pretty sure he has gout and wants to get it under control as soon as possible as he cannot afford to miss work.

    George could benefit from seeing his family doctor and asking what is gout and how can it be prevented. A nutritionist may help by suggesting ways to change his diet in order to prevent his gout, and a personal trainer can help George maintain a consistent exercise program to promote heart health and good circulation. He may also benefit from seeing a cardiologist to check that his blood pressure is controlled and that his heart is healthy.

  • Arthritis and Back Pain - Ankylosing Spondylitis " Randy a 26-year-old college graduate "
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    Arthritis and Back Pain - Ankylosing Spondylitis " Randy a 26-year-old college graduate "

    Randy is a 26-year-old college graduate who has recently been hired at a financial company. Since his late teens he has had low back pain which is getting worse since he is working full time and sitting at a desk job. Last month he had pain and redness in his left eye and an eye doctor told him he had uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) which might be associated with back arthritis. His doctor has sent him to an arthritis specialist who has put him on medications for arthritis and referred him to a physiotherapist.

    Randy’s pharmacist is worried about the use of these medications as they can cause stomach ulcers. On follow up with the arthritis specialist, Randy has been given information on biologics but he wants to see how he does with physiotherapy and the anti-inflammatory medications first.

    Randy’s condition could benefit from seeing a rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist. To strengthen Randy's back, he could benefit from seeing a physiotherapist and a personal trainer. Randy could also ask his doctor as to the benefits of massage therapy and yoga.

  • Causes of Knee Pain " Eileen a 58-year-old female "
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    Causes of Knee Pain " Eileen a 58-year-old female "

    Eileen, a 58-year-old female, complains of increased pain in the right knee over the last eight months. She has a history of pain in the right knee, which started last summer when she started walking in the evening with her husband to lose weight. She has given up walking regularly and now finds she is limping and having trouble going up and down stairs. Last week she saw her doctor to determine the cause of her knee pain. Her doctor ordered X-rays of the knee and told her she has advanced arthritis and will eventually need a knee replacement. The only advice she was given by the doctor was to lose weight. Eileen wants to avoid knee surgery, and she is thinking of paying privately for an MRI as her doctor says there is 'no indication' to have an MRI.

    The rheumatologist advises her to confirm the correct diagnosis with standing X-rays. If standing X-rays show she has complete loss of the cartilage, also known as 'bone on bone', her doctor may be right about having advanced arthritis. It is important however, to rule out other causes of knee pain. More likely, she has either early to moderate osteoarthritis of one of the standing compartments of the knee, usually the medial or inner distal thigh. However, it is very common to have pain in the front of the knee, known as patellofemoral pain. It tends to come on when doing stairs (particularly down) or getting in and out of a chair. It also usually improves with quad strengthening exercises. A doctor might suggest a local physiotherapist that can help.

    Eileen's concerns include what medications should she take, and whether it is really that important to lose weight. The rheumatologist advises her that acetaminophen is usually the first line of medication. Her doctor might suggest this if there are no contraindications. Losing weight has many health advantages, but the doctor is right about the importance of weight reduction if she has arthritis of the knee. Even an extra 10-20 pounds can cause a force several times that weight across the joint because of the "lever effect". The lever effect explains why a small child can lift an adult on a teeter-totter. A combination of weight reduction and quad exercises may put off knee surgery for years.

    Eileen may also wish to consult with a registered dietitian and/or exercise professional who can assist her with developing an appropriate exercise program and healthy eating plan to support her weight loss efforts, and avoid injuring her knee.

Recent Health Talk Comments by Dr. John Wade

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    Dr. John Wade

    , posted in: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After Pregnancy " Judy a 42-year-old corporate lawyer "
    15 July 2023
    Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition characterized by compression of the median nerve at the wrist within the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a passageway in the wrist covered by a ligament called the transverse retinacular ligament. The median nerve gives sensation to the thumb, index, long finger, and half of the ring finger. The most common symptom of CTS is numbness in the affected fingers, typically at night or in the morning. The numbness is caused by the compression of the median nerve when the nine tendons passing through the carpal tunnel swell at night. As people move their fingers in the morning, the fluid is pushed out of the tendons, and the numbness usually subsides. Patients may also experience numbness and pain during the day when the hand is in positions other than straight. Activities such as blow-drying hair or driving a car can exacerbate the symptoms. Most cases of CTS are considered idiopathic, meaning there is no identifiable cause, and it is believed to be related to the individual's anatomy. As people age, their tendons naturally swell, and if they have a relatively small carpal tunnel, CTS may develop at some point in their life. While repetitive finger movements, such as typing, are often associated with CTS, the condition is not primarily caused by repetitive finger use. Instead, it is more closely related to the size of the carpal tunnel and the changes that occur in the tendons as individuals age. In some cases, certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism or inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to CTS. However, for the majority of patients, the cause is idiopathic. If someone suspects they have carpal tunnel syndrome based on the symptoms described, they should consult their family doctor for a proper diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment options. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further progression of the condition.
    See the whole conversation: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome After Pregnancy " Judy a 42-year-old corporate lawyer "
  • 206

    Dr. John Wade

    , posted in: Osteoporosis Treatment
    01 July 2023
    The treatment approach for pseudogout is generally straightforward and focuses on managing the pain and inflammation associated with the condition. The specific treatment options may vary depending on the number of joints affected and individual patient factors. If pseudogout causes pain and swelling in a single joint, a cortisone injection into that joint can be an effective treatment method. However, if the affected joint is difficult to inject or multiple joints are involved, other medications may be considered. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of acute pain and swelling in pseudogout. These medications can effectively reduce inflammation and provide relief. However, it's important to consider any contraindications, such as ulcers, kidney problems, or high blood pressure, before using NSAIDs. If NSAIDs cannot be used due to specific medical conditions, an alternative medication called colchicine may be prescribed. Colchicine is effective in treating both pseudogout and gout. It is taken orally in pill form and can be administered once a day or in divided doses to manage pain, swelling, and prevent recurrent symptoms. It's important to consult with your doctor or a specialist who can evaluate your specific condition, consider your medical history and individual factors, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing pseudogout symptoms.
    See the whole conversation: Osteoporosis Treatment
  • 25

    Dr. John Wade

    , posted in: Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Patient with Knee and Wrist Swelling " Larry a 58-year-old gentleman"
    01 July 2023
    Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, is an important medical condition primarily affecting individuals over the age of 50, although it can occur in younger individuals as well. It is characterized by inflammation of the large vessels in the body, specifically those that supply blood from the heart to the head and arms. The symptoms of giant cell arteritis can vary and may initially be subtle. Common symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, general feelings of being unwell, and generalized aches and pains. A significant proportion of people with GCA experience notable discomfort and pain in the shoulder and pelvic areas, known as the shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle respectively. There are several key symptoms that are associated with giant cell arteritis. One of the more common features is a type of headache called temporal headache, which affects the temples on the side of the head. In fact, GCA is sometimes referred to as temporal arteritis due to the inflammation of the temporal artery. Another symptom is jaw claudication, which is pain or discomfort in the muscles of the jaw that occurs during chewing. It is important to note that the pain is not in the jaw itself but in the muscles of the jaw. A rare but serious complication of giant cell arteritis involves the artery supplying blood to the eye. This can lead to partial or complete visual loss in one eye, affecting about 10 percent of individuals with the disease. Losing vision in one eye increases the risk of vision loss in the other eye, which can result in complete blindness. Therefore, early and aggressive treatment is crucial to prevent such devastating outcomes. It is worth mentioning that about one-third of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), a condition characterized by acute or severe pain in the neck, shoulders, and hip girdle, may go on to develop giant cell arteritis. Therefore, individuals presenting with PMR should be closely monitored for symptoms associated with GCA, such as headaches, jaw claudication, visual complaints, and other relevant symptoms. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the symptoms of giant cell arteritis, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider or a specialist who can provide appropriate evaluation and guidance.
    See the whole conversation: Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Patient with Knee and Wrist Swelling " Larry a 58-year-old gentleman"
  • 37

    Dr. John Wade

    , posted in: Arthritis and Back Pain - Ankylosing Spondylitis " Randy a 26-year-old college graduate "
    29 June 2023
    It is indeed crucial to follow a proper tapering regimen when discontinuing prednisone, especially if you have been taking it for an extended period of time, typically longer than one month. Prednisone is a synthetic form of corticosteroid that mimics the effects of the body's natural hormone, cortisol. When taking prednisone at high doses for an extended duration, it can suppress the body's natural production of cortisol. Abruptly stopping prednisone can result in a sudden drop in cortisol levels, leading to a condition called adrenal insufficiency or adrenal crisis. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, and low blood pressure. To prevent these adverse effects, it is important to taper the prednisone dosage slowly and gradually. The tapering process involves gradually reducing the dose over a period of time to allow the adrenal glands to resume their normal cortisol production. Once the dose reaches around 7.5 milligrams per day, the body needs to start producing cortisol again, and the tapering process becomes even more critical. It is essential to work closely with your doctor or healthcare provider to create an appropriate tapering plan tailored to your specific needs. They will monitor your condition and guide you through the process to ensure a safe and smooth transition off prednisone. To avoid running out of prednisone during the tapering process, it is important to ensure you have an adequate supply of the medication. This way, you can gradually reduce the dosage under the supervision of your doctor without any interruptions. Remember, never discontinue prednisone abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and support to manage your medication safely and effectively.
    See the whole conversation: Arthritis and Back Pain - Ankylosing Spondylitis " Randy a 26-year-old college graduate "
  • 51

    Dr. John Wade

    , posted in: Treatment Options for Knee Pain While Gardening " Agnes a 52-year-old with medial-sided knee pain "
    29 June 2023
    Leflunomide is a medication commonly used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. It is important to note that leflunomide is considered an absolute contraindication for pregnancy or for individuals considering pregnancy. If you are of childbearing age, your specialist may advise against starting leflunomide as a precautionary measure. If, for any reason, you are already taking leflunomide and you are planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to inform your specialist well in advance. This is because leflunomide has a long half-life and can remain in the body for months to even years after discontinuation. To ensure the safety of the pregnancy, a washout phase is typically recommended to eliminate leflunomide from the body before attempting to conceive. The specific duration of the washout period may vary depending on individual circumstances and the advice of your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns regarding leflunomide and its potential impact on pregnancy, it is essential to reach out to your healthcare provider or specialist. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and personalized information based on your specific situation.
    See the whole conversation: Treatment Options for Knee Pain While Gardening " Agnes a 52-year-old with medial-sided knee pain "

Ratings for Dr. John Wade

  • 4
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    Cannot say enough good things about Dr John Wade Rheumatologist Vancouver
    Submitted: April 14, 2023
  • 3
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    happy to Rate Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC, Local Rheumatologist, Vancouver BC, Orthopedics NOW
    Submitted: March 08, 2023
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    Happy to rate Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC, Local Rheumatologist as very good.
    Submitted: December 08, 2022
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    Very happy with all the service received from Dr. John Wade MD, FRCPC, Local Rheumatologist
    Submitted: November 09, 2022
  • 5
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    Please pass this onto Dr. Stefanie Wade: Want to thank her for a cortisone shot last month that has taken away 100 per cent of pain from De Quervin's. I am sooo very grateful to her. She's my favourite person now in the whole world! Cheers, Barbara Yaffe May 16/22
    Submitted: May 17, 2022
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    Have been a patient of DR Wades for three years for RA and I find him to be informative, educated and caring. Would recommend Dr Wade to anyone in Vancouver looking for a good Rheumatologist. Janice.
    Submitted: April 04, 2018
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    Was refereed to Dr Wade by my family physician for RA and he has been good with education and understanding of my pain and discomfort. I would recommend Dr wade to anyone with the luck to get in to see him.
    Submitted: February 05, 2018
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    Have been seeing Dr John Wade for close to 5 years and in that time he has shown understanding and a level of expertise that has always impressed me. I would recommend both Dr Wade and his clinic to anyone looking for a higher level of care.
    Submitted: January 09, 2018
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    Have always been impressed with Dr. John Wade, Rheumatologist, Vancouver, BC level of education an materials he has presented to me to better understand my condition.
    Submitted: February 20, 2017
  • 5
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    Happy to Rate Dr. John Wade as an excellent Rheumatologist in Broadway Vancouver area. has been helping me with RA for two years and cannot say enough good things.
    Submitted: May 03, 2016
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    Happy to rate Dr. John Wade my Rheumatologist con Broadway in Vancouver as excellent for helping me with my RA for 5 years.
    Submitted: April 19, 2016
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    Dr. John Wade has been my Rheumatologist in Vancouver on west Broadway street for five years. Spend s a good amount of time on education and has been very consistent with me understanding my disease of RA>
    Submitted: March 06, 2016
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    Dr. John Wade has been my Rheumatologist on Broadway fro three years and I cannot say enough great things about Dr Wade. Takes time to listen to me and is big on education and home work. Would recommend Dr Wade to anyone looking for a good rheumatologist in the Broadway area of Vancouver.
    Submitted: March 04, 2016
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    Was asked to comment upon Dr. John Wade latest video on Biosimilars for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and how they are deferent than biologics. Thought the video was very informative and clear on the the advantages.
    Submitted: February 25, 2016
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    Have been seeing Dr. John Wade on the importance of medication adherence and alternative medications to my RA for a few years and find him to be very reputable and ethical. He has helped me signifactly with understanding my medication options. I would recommend Dr. John Wade to anyone looking for a good Rheumatologist in Broadway Vancouver area.
    Submitted: February 23, 2016
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    Have been a patient of Dr Wade's for 10 years for my battle with RA. In my time with Dr Wade I have found him to give good information and to make me feel that my RA is manageable. Thank you Dr Wade for all your help.
    Submitted: February 18, 2016
  • 4
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    Recently visited Dr John Wade to discuss my diagnosis and treatment of calcium supplementation .to help me with my diagnosis of osteoporosis and the risks associated with low levels of calcium. Dr Wade was extremely informative and helpful.
    Submitted: February 17, 2016
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    Dr John Wade has been helping me with psoriatic arthritis treatment for over three years and I cannot be more happy with his treatment. Sometimes a little quick but over all very educated and concerned for my welfare.
    Submitted: February 13, 2016
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    Received and invite to Dr John wades video based library and within was a request to rate Dr Wade. Thought it made more sense to rate one the video I watched in the library. The video that discusses the importance of vitamin D I found to be informative and timely as I had recently seen my family physician who indicated my vitamin D might be low. Timely video and good dashboard Dr Wade.
    Submitted: February 09, 2016
  • 4
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    Was having a lot of issues understanding the Importance of adherence to my RA medicine and Dr wade was able to clarify why it was important that I be consistent with my medication.
    Submitted: February 03, 2016

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