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VIDC

About VIDC

Care beyond the diagnosis.

VIDC brings together medical care, research and community support to improve outcomes for people affected by infectious diseases. Our approach recognizes that health is shaped by more than a diagnosis alone.

Healthcare team working together
Team-Based Care
Integrated Care Clinical expertise connected with research and community support.

A coordinated approach designed around the whole person.

Healthcare professional speaking with a patient
Person-Centred Care
Who We Are

Infectious disease care built around the whole person.

The Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre (VIDC) is a nonprofit medical organization specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research of infectious diseases, with particular expertise in HIV and Hepatitis C.

Operating within Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, VIDC serves patients who may experience significant barriers to accessing traditional healthcare, including homelessness, addiction, poverty, mental illness and social marginalization.

VIDC is recognized not only for clinical excellence, but also for an integrated model of care that treats each patient as a whole person rather than focusing on a medical condition in isolation.

Integrated Care

Clinical treatment is connected with mental health, addiction support and social resources.

Evidence-Based Practice

Care and programming are informed by current research, clinical experience and measurable outcomes.

Community Connection

VIDC works alongside community organizations and care partners to help reduce barriers to support.

Respect and Dignity

Every person is approached with compassion, understanding and respect for their individual circumstances.

Mission, Vision & Core Values

Guided by science. Grounded in compassion.

VIDC’s mission, vision and values reflect a commitment to equitable healthcare, clinical excellence, innovative research and meaningful partnerships with the communities we serve.

01 — Mission

Our Mission

Better lives through care, research and support.

To improve the lives of individuals affected by infectious diseases through compassionate, evidence-based medical care, innovative research, education and integrated community support, ensuring every person has access to the healthcare they deserve regardless of circumstance.

02 — Vision

Our Vision

Leading integrated infectious disease care in Canada.

To become Canada’s leading nonprofit centre for integrated infectious disease care, advancing equitable healthcare through clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, community partnerships and public education.

03 — Core Values

The principles behind every decision.

These values shape how VIDC delivers care, conducts research, builds partnerships and works to improve access to healthcare.

Compassion

Every individual deserves dignity, respect and exceptional care.

Innovation

Research and evidence-based medicine drive continuous improvement.

Equity

Healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances.

Collaboration

The strongest healthcare outcomes result from multidisciplinary partnerships.

Integrity

Scientific accuracy, transparency and accountability guide every decision.

Our Model of Care

Four connected areas. One stronger foundation for health.

VIDC’s Four-Legged Chair model recognizes that lasting health depends on more than medical treatment alone. Like a chair, care is strongest when each essential area is supported and connected.

Four-Legged Chair Model
A navy and white chair with four legs representing VIDC's Four-Legged Chair model
Every leg contributes to stability. Each area works together to support the whole person.

Explore the four supports

Evidence-based infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term clinical support.

Support that recognizes the relationship between emotional well-being, health decisions and ongoing care.

Compassionate, non-judgmental support for substance use, pain and related health needs.

Connections to housing, food security, income assistance, community programs and other practical supports.

Like a chair, the model depends on every leg. When one area is unsupported, the overall foundation can become less stable.

Our History

Built through years of care, research and community connection.

VIDC’s history reflects an ongoing commitment to improving infectious disease care through clinical experience, research, collaboration and a deeper understanding of the barriers that affect health.

The milestone labels below can be replaced with confirmed years and official historical details when supplied by VIDC.

VIDC Through the Years

A continuing story of integrated care

Foundation 01

The Beginning

VIDC is established

The beginning of an integrated approach connecting infectious disease care, clinical knowledge and research.

Clinical Growth 02

Expanded Services

Clinical services expand

Specialized care grows for people living with HIV, hepatitis and other infectious diseases.

Research 03

Discovery and Evidence

The research program develops

Clinical studies and participant-centred research become increasingly connected to treatment and care.

Integrated Care 04

A Stronger Foundation

The Four-Legged Chair model

Medical care, mental health, addiction support and social resources are connected through one coordinated model.

Community 05

Community-Based Access

Vancouver Urban Health Centre

Community-based services expand to improve access to care, outreach and practical support.

Today 06

Continuing the Work

VIDC today

VIDC continues advancing evidence-based treatment, meaningful research and coordinated community care.

Our Team

Dedication. Expertise.Passion.

Our doctors, nurses, research professionals, administrative team and outreach coordinators work together to connect specialized care, meaningful research and community support.

Browse by department or search by name, role or professional credentials. Select a professional to view their profile and biography.

Filter by Department

Meet the VIDC Team

Showing 18 team members

Dr. David Truong
Doctors

Dr. David Truong

MD, FRCPC

Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Doctors

Dr. Amolak Dhillon

MD, CCFP

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Nurses

Karol Ghuman

Nurse Practitioner

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Wenzy Valdez
Nurses

Wenzy Valdez

Infectious Disease Nurse

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Gagan Khallar
Nurses

Gagan Khallar

Clinical Nurse

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Kaitlyn Jackson
Nurses

Kaitlyn Jackson

Outreach Nurse

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Christina Wiesmann
Research

Christina Wiesmann

PhD

Research Associate

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Cathy Huang
Research

Cathy Huang

Clinical Research Coordinator

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Valentina Munoz
Research

Valentina Munoz

Clinical Research Coordinator

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Administration

Shana Yi

Operations Director

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Diana Castilla
Administration

Diana Castilla

Executive Assistant

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Jocelyn Castillo
Administration

Jocelyn Castillo

Medical Office Assistant

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Nazia Rahim
Administration

Nazia Rahim

Medical Office Assistant

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Administration

Federico Knaudt

Medical Office Assistant

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John McCann
Outreach

John McCann

Outreach Coordinator

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Roman Batra
Outreach

Roman Batra

Outreach Coordinator

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Outreach

Tyra Nordal

Outreach Coordinator

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No team members found

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Working Together

Connected expertise.Shared purpose.

VIDC works across disciplines to connect treatment, research, outreach and practical support for the people and communities we serve.

Partners & Collaborators

Stronger care through meaningful collaboration.

VIDC works alongside health organizations, community agencies, advocacy networks and industry collaborators to strengthen access to care, advance research and support healthier communities.

Collaboration helps connect clinical expertise, community knowledge, research and practical resources across the health system.

Our Network

Organizations working alongside VIDC

20 partner and collaborator organizations

Atira

Vancouver Coastal Health

LUMA

Purpose Society

Fraser Health

MPA Society

Community Builders

Provincial Health Services Authority

ViiV Healthcare

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Spécialité Rx

Réseau Santé

Positively Positive

Pendopharm

Pacific Hepatitis C Network

NOhep

Merck

IDA

HepCBC

GSK

Connect With VIDC

Looking for more information? We’re here to help.

Connect with the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre for general questions and information, or visit Vancouver Urban Health Centre to learn more about its community-based care and support services.