BY SURBHI GOGIA
Dr. Preet Chahal, the Regional Head of Neurology at Fraser Health, has made remarkable contributions to neurology, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. A strong advocate for brain health, he is dedicated to disease prevention and improving patient outcomes by promoting essential changes within healthcare systems. His commitment involves raising awareness about neurological conditions in the South Asian community.
However, Dr. Chahal’s journey as a neurologist has transcended conventional medicine. He adopts a holistic approach, infusing compassion into clinical care. His vision extends beyond merely treating diseases; it aims to restore patients to optimal health.
He believes in viewing patients as more than just a collection of symptoms but as whole individuals who deserve support throughout their recovery from illness, emotional turmoil, and rehabilitation. True well-being after recovery is not merely the absence of disease but a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit.
Dr. Chahal recently opened a pioneering clinic with his sister, Dr. Harina Chahal, called Neurologik in Langley to put this philosophy into practice. He collaborates with neurologists, neurosurgeons, sport medicine specialists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists and other healthcare practitioners, utilizing cutting-edge diagnostics and technology to accelerate patients’ recovery and rehabilitation beyond pharmaceutical interventions. Neurologik Clinic evaluates and treats a wide range of neurological disorders including neuropathies, strokes, seizures, migraines, parkinson’s disease, concussions, dementia, and sports injuries.
“This clinic enables us to evaluate and manage patients in a comprehensive fashion. Rather than navigating multiple healthcare facilities, they receive coordinated care in one place.”
Acknowledging the limitations of the current healthcare environment, where time constraints often hinder long-term patient engagement, Dr. Chahal ensures that his clinic serves as a sanctuary. Patients receive medical intervention, rehabilitation, reassurance, guidance, and empowerment on their recovery journey.
Dr. Chahal believes that brain health is the cornerstone of overall well-being. “The brain is the final frontier of health. We’ve unraveled and understood much of the human body, but the brain remains a vast, uncharted territory.”
After graduating from the University of British Columbia, he specialized in neurology and completed his residency in New Jersey graduating as a Chief Resident. He then completed a fellowship in Neuromuscular Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina.
Dr. Chahal returned back home to the Lower Mainland in 2010 after training and joined the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) and Fraser Health Authority as an attending neurologist.
His impact extends beyond the hospital walls as he raises awareness about common neurological diseases and advocates for improved healthcare in his community. He is a founding member of the Fraser Health Stroke Service based at RCH.
His dedication to service comes from his father, Balwinder Chahal, a lawyer who immigrated to Canada in the early 1990s. A founding director of the South Asian Business Association (SABA), Balwinder Chahal, advocated for the importance of community service.
“My father instilled in us the value of selfless community service, emphasizing the importance of sharing time and knowledge and that giving back is a duty, not a choice.”
Continuing his father’s legacy of service to the community, he now serves on SABA’s board of directors, promoting healthcare awareness.. “Much of my work involves raising awareness about neurological conditions including stroke and guiding people on how and when to seek medical care. Unfortunately, our healthcare system faces staff shortages, and the long ER wait times have eroded patient confidence. Timely access to healthcare is crucialand I have seen patients delay seeking help due to long wait times, only to negatively impact outcomes.”
“South Asians face twice the risk of diabetes and are three times more likely to experience high blood pressure than Caucasians – both these conditions increase risk of stroke,” he explains. His advice to patients: “Never dismiss symptoms and Call 911 at the first indication of stroke symptoms.. Time is of the essence.”
Encouraging open conversations at forums like the Annual SABA Health Seminar about health conditions helps dismantle stigma and empowers our community.”
With unwavering dedication to patient care, community advocacy, and the pursuit of medical innovation, Dr. Preet Chahal continues to redefine what it means to be a physician.
