Supporting patients with dedicated skin cancer care

Dr. Ben Wiese

General Practitioner / Medical Director

Based in Kelowna, Dr. Ben Wiese is a family physician (CCFP) whose practice is focused on skin cancer assessment and treatment. He offers full-skin examinations, dermoscopic assessments, and management of skin cancer and precancerous conditions. As a general practitioner, he is not a dermatologist, oncologist, or RCPSC-certified surgeon, but has completed additional training in skin cancer care.

Dr. Wiese completed his medical degree at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. After moving to Kelowna in 2010, he and his wife, Dr. Lize Wiese, opened a family practice. In 2014, he began additional training in dermoscopy and primary care skin cancer management through the Universities of Cardiff and Queensland. In 2021, he completed a Master’s degree in Skin Cancer from the University of Queensland.

Over the years, Dr. Wiese has developed a clinical focus on early detection, dermoscopic assessment, and evidence-based management of skin cancer and precancerous lesions. He is also involved in ongoing education and research in the field, with an interest in promoting skin cancer awareness and prevention.

Outside of work, Dr. Wiese and his wife enjoy hiking, biking, jogging, and skiing. They also love travelling and spending time with friends. Their twin boys and two cats keep life busy and full of laughter.

For BC Residents:
Please be advised that I, Dr Ben Wiese hereby certify that I am un-enrolled from the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP), effective November 22nd, 2023, in accordance with the provision for such an election under section 13 of the Medicare Protection Act.

In accordance with the above, fees for services provided by myself to BC residents are the responsibility of the patient directly, and not the BC government. Patients will not be entitled to seek reimbursement for my fees from MSP. Patients should also be aware of the following implications for un-enrolled physicians and their patients:
1. For services provided in most community clinics and offices, the Medicare Protection
Act (MPA) does not limit the amount that can be charged by de-enrolled physicians.
o If a de-enrolled physician intends to require their patients to pay the costs of a service, they must inform the patient, prior to rendering the service:
i) that the patient will be required to pay the cost directly;
ii) the amount the patient will be required to pay; and
iii) that the amount the patient pays will not be reimbursed by the Medical Services
Plan (MSP).
2. De-enrolled physicians can order laboratory tests. However, laboratory services referred by a de-enrolled physicians are not payable by MSP. Patients are responsible for those costs and are not eligible for reimbursement from MSP because the service is not considered a benefit.
3. De-enrolled physicians can order diagnostic services such as x-rays and ultrasound. However, patients are responsible for the costs of diagnostic services ordered by a de-enrolled physician and are not eligible for reimbursement from MSP.
4. De-enrolled physicians can refer patients to medical specialists. Beneficiary patients referred to enrolled specialists by de-enrolled physicians may be charged privately for the difference between the specialist fee and the family practice visit fee.

Dr. Sheena Sikora

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Sheena Sikora is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with a clinical focus on skin cancer reconstruction, upper limb and facial trauma, and aesthetic surgery. Her reconstructive work aims to remove cancer effectively while planning incisions and closures in ways that help minimize visible scarring. Although any full-thickness incision will result in a permanent scar, thoughtful surgical technique can reduce its visibility by aligning it with natural shadows, creases, and surrounding structures.

Dr. Sikora completed medical school at the University of Alberta in 2010, followed by Plastic Surgery residency training at the University of British Columbia in 2015. She then pursued a one-year fellowship in Melbourne, Australia, before beginning her practice in Kelowna in 2016.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sikora is a clinical professor with the University of British Columbia and teaches medical students and residents at Kelowna General Hospital. She has presented research at regional, national, and international conferences, and has participated in several international medical missions focused on trauma, congenital conditions, and sustainable capacity-building.

Dr. Sikora has seen the growing need for skin cancer care in the Okanagan and is pleased to collaborate with the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic team as their reconstructive surgeon.

Dr. Elizna van der Merwe

Physician

Dr. Elizna van der Merwe is a family physician who completed her medical training in South Africa and is certified with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP). She has experience across oncology-related care, dermatology, and women’s health, and found that providing skin cancer screening brings these areas of interest together in her work as a general practitioner.

Dr. van der Merwe values collaborative, team-based care and is pleased to contribute to skin cancer assessment and screening at the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic.

Heather de Lange

LPN

Heather de Lange is a Licensed Practical Nurse who joined the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic team in early 2022. She brings a decade of experience in long-term care and has developed a strong interest in skin cancer awareness and prevention. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors in the Okanagan with her two boys.

MacKayla Naude

LPN

MacKayla Naude is a Licensed Practical Nurse who joined the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic team in 2025. She brings experience in acute care and travel clinic settings, and has developed an interest in the specialized area of skin cancer care. She values the opportunity to support patients by providing clear information about their diagnosis and treatment options.

Born and raised in Kelowna, MacKayla enjoys trail running with her dog, skiing, exploring the Okanagan, coaching youth sports, and relaxing with a good book.

Victoria Kluber

Medical Aesthetician

Victoria Kluber is a certified Medical Aesthetician with a background in nursing who joined the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic team in 2025. She provides skin health support and works closely with the clinical team to help patients feel informed and comfortable during their care.

Originally from Germany, Victoria moved to Canada in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her dog and practising yoga.

Vaibhavi Vyas

Physician Assistant

Vaibhavi Vyas is a medical graduate from India with more than seven years of experience as a Physician Assistant in intensive care, surgical, medical, and other specialty settings. Recently relocated to Kelowna, she supports patient assessment and clinical care at the Kelowna Skin Cancer Clinic.

Outside of work, Vaibhavi enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, dancing, and reading.