Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki – Pulmonologist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in North Vancouver, BC, Dr. Shoki is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Shoki is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in BC. Dr. Shoki serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions as a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with breathing disorders.

Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki earned a Medical Degree from University Of Sydney, Australia, graduating in 2013. Following this, Dr. Shoki completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 12 years of specialized practice since 2013, Dr. Shoki's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Shoki is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in respiratory medicine to provide optimal patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Shoki's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being. Dr. Shoki provides consultations in English.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.
• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Shoki, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Ensuring patients can effectively self-administer their prescribed respiratory medications for optimal therapeutic benefit.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Shoki. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any test or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation or speak with your referring physician.

All services by Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki's practice, the primary aim is to work collaboratively with you to manage your respiratory condition effectively, improve your breathing, and enhance your overall quality of life. Dr. Shoki frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Shoki with concerns about experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve reduced anxiety related to their breathing difficulties, making a positive and lasting return to being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions) not just possible, but highly feasible.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Shoki to see patients who were troubled by a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away successfully achieve clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.
• At Dr. Shoki's clinic, addressing wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath.
• Are you struggling with a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk? Dr. Shoki partners with patients to target feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness a much more achievable reality.

Your personalized treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Shoki, will be tailored to address your specific respiratory needs and health goals. Dr. Shoki is dedicated to providing expert care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to achieve their best possible respiratory health.

Dr. Shoki's respiratory clinic in North Vancouver is situated in a central location within the North Vancouver neighborhood of North Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Shoki at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Shoki will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the nature and timeline of their current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact their daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Shoki will then perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system (listening to the lungs, observing breathing patterns). Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Shoki will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with the patient to establish health goals.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Shoki recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air the lungs can hold), airflow rates (how quickly air can be moved in and out), and gas exchange (how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the blood). Dr. Shoki might recommend PFTs to help diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Shoki?

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Shoki for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Shoki has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Shoki do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Shoki is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions of the lungs and respiratory system. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD (emphysema, chronic bronchitis), pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance the quality of life for people with breathing problems. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

What should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Shoki?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (Chest X-ray, CT scans – reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), any previous Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results, and a list of any questions you have. If you use inhalers, it's helpful to bring them to check technique. If being assessed for sleep apnea, a sleep diary or information from a bed partner can be useful.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Shoki covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Shoki are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies ordered by a specialist are also usually covered. However, some specific treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some specialized inhalers), or medications may not be fully covered or may have co-payments depending on provincial formularies and private insurance. It's always best to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

Can Dr. Shoki help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Shoki are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis). After a thorough assessment, Dr. Shoki develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing appropriate inhaler medications (relievers and controllers), educating patients on correct inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation if beneficial. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance overall quality of life.

201-145 15TH St W
North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1R9

Phone: (604) 988-3494 | Website: http://www.vch.ca/locations-and-services/find-locations/find-locations?site_id=95

Dr. Alborz Hakimi Shoki is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 85250

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/340727/Shoki%2CAlborz

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Shoki. Dr. Shoki and the team are dedicated to providing comprehensive respiratory care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or severe difficulty breathing, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.