Our skin health physicians

Dr. Ben Wiese

General Practitioner / Medical Director

Based in Kelowna, Dr Ben Wiese is a General Practitioner, with his certification by the College of Family Physicians,CCFP. Please note Dr Ben is not a dermatologist, oncologist, or RCPSC certified surgeon. As a general practitioner, he only sees patients with skin cancer related concerns, screening and treatment. 

Dr. Wiese studied in South Africa at the University of Pretoria, where he received his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

In 2010, Dr. Wiese and his wife, Dr. Lize Wiese, decided to move from South Africa and open up a family practice in Kelowna. In 2014, he began taking dermoscopy and primary care skin cancer courses at the Universities of Cardiff and Queensland. Upon completing his studies, he decided to open up his services due to the high demand. He began treating and managing high-risk patients with skin cancer. In 2021, Dr. Ben achieved his Master’s degree in skin cancer from the University of Queensland in Australia.

As a general practitioner, Dr. Wiese is a firm believer that “prevention is better than cure.” Having worked as a general practitioner for over a decade, Dr. Wiese’s approach is more proactive than reactive. Rather than look at a sporadic skin lesion, he takes the time to look over the body’s fastest-growing organ – the skin. His aim is to be a true professional in the field of skin cancer and dermoscopy. Ultimately, Dr. Wiese hopes to contribute to skin cancer awareness through research, teaching, and being a strong advocate for prevention.

Aside from their careers, both Dr. Wiese and his wife love hiking, biking, jogging, and snow skiing. Together, they enjoy travelling and simply spending time with good friends. Their twin boys and 2 cats provide abundant joy, love and 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.

Lianne Wallace

Registered Nurse

Lianne is a Registered Nurse that joined our team in spring 2020. She loves being a nurse and is passionate and dedicated to helping others. She is fluent in both French and English, was raised in a small town in Manitoba, and moved to Kelowna in 2014. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and her little boy!

Sledge Pajanconi

Registered Nurse

Sledge is a Registered Nurse who joined our team in 2023. He trained to be a nurse from the Philippines and Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia. His 12 years experience in various fields of nursing, which includes Acute Medical, Discharge Planning, Home Care & Community and Wound Care Nursing, is invaluable to the overall holistic care for his patients. Sledge enjoys his downtime camping with his wife and two children or you’ll find him at a park playing basketball.

Heather de Lange

LPN

Heather is an LPN who joined our team at the start of 2022. Heather comes with a 10-year background in long-term care and has become a passionate advocate for skin cancer and prevention. Heather is an energetic mom of two boys and enjoys the Okanagan outdoors in her spare time.

Rosie Tabimina

MOA

Rosie is one of our dedicated MOA. With a background in nursing, she brings compassion and dedication to her role. She enjoys exploring new places with her family, going on long walks, and connecting with people. Rosie is passionate about providing excellent patient care and loves being part of the clinic team.