About
Dr. Alym Hasan Abdulla is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in New Westminster, BC, he is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive hematology (blood disorders) care. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He addresses a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions, ensuring patients receive personalized and compassionate care.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2015 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Dr. Abdulla holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating his clinical expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of practice. His training emphasizes both the latest evidence-based treatments and compassionate patient-centered care.
With a philosophy rooted in multidisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Abdulla is dedicated to delivering evidence-based treatments while supporting patients and their families through complex diagnoses. He is committed to advancing research in hematology and continuously updates his practice to incorporate new therapies and diagnostic tools. Fluent in English, he strives to build trusting relationships with his patients in New Westminster, ensuring they are well-informed and actively involved in their care journey.
Dr. Alym Abdulla has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies, leading to bone damage and other complications.
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): A group of chronic blood cancers where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed
- Sickle Cell Disease & Thalassemia Syndromes: Inherited disorders affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin, leading to various complications.
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): An autoimmune disorder characterized by a low number of platelets, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.
- Hereditary Hemochromatosis & Other Iron Overload States: Genetic or acquired conditions leading to excessive iron accumulation in the body, requiring management to prevent organ damage.
This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Alym Abdulla or your referring physician.
- Management of Bleeding Disorders (Hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease, Platelet Function Disorders): Care for inherited and acquired conditions that affect the body's ability to form blood clots properly, including factor replacement therapies.
- Second Opinion Consultations for Cancer & Blood Disorders: Providing expert second opinions on complex diagnoses and proposed treatment plans to ensure informed decision-making.
- Blood Product Transfusion Support & Management of Transfusion Reactions: Overseeing transfusions of red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and managing any adverse reactions.
- Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
- Management of Clotting Disorders / Thrombophilia (Inherited & Acquired): Diagnosis, anticoagulation therapy, and long-term management for conditions predisposing to abnormal blood clots (e.g., DVT, PE, Factor V Leiden, Antiphospholipid Syndrome).
- Neutropenia & Other White Blood Cell Disorders Evaluation: Investigating and managing low or abnormal white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Iron Overload Disorders (e.g., Hereditary Hemochromatosis) Management: Monitoring and treatment, including therapeutic phlebotomy, for conditions of excess iron storage.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Abdulla provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Abdulla or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.
All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Abdulla practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster, BC. The facility is situated within the Uptown Business District, easily accessible by public transit, including the TransLink SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus services. The practice location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are available nearby, making it convenient for patients traveling by car. The centre offers advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, providing comprehensive care for patients with blood disorders and hematologic malignancies.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Abdulla, an Hematologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Hematologist such as Dr. Abdulla are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Medical Services Plan (MSP), Dr. Abdulla's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Abdulla, an Hematologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Hematologist like Dr. Abdulla for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.
- What kind of supportive care is available during cancer or hematology treatment with Dr. Abdulla?
- Supportive care is a crucial part of treatment, aiming to manage symptoms, reduce side effects, improve quality of life, and address emotional and practical needs. This can include effective pain and symptom management, nutritional support and counseling, psychological support (counseling, therapy), social work services for practical and emotional support, physiotherapy or occupational therapy, access to patient support groups, and spiritual care. Dr. Abdulla and the healthcare team at affiliated hospitals or cancer centres can connect you with these valuable resources.
- What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Abdulla specialize in?
- An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This can include Medical Oncologists who use systemic treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Radiation Oncologists who use radiation therapy, and Surgical Oncologists who perform surgery to remove tumors. A Hematologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph glands; this includes benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, as well as malignant conditions (blood cancers) like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Abdulla has expertise in hematology, focusing on both benign and malignant blood disorders, providing comprehensive care for diverse hematologic conditions.
- What can I expect at my first appointment with an Oncologist/Hematologist?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Abdulla will be comprehensive and may last an hour or more. It will involve a detailed review of your medical history, family history of cancer, current symptoms, medications, and any previous tests, imaging results (CT, MRI, PET scans), and biopsy reports related to your diagnosis. He will likely perform a thorough physical examination. The main goals are to confirm your diagnosis, discuss the type and stage of your condition (if applicable), and outline potential treatment options. This is a crucial time to ask questions, and you are encouraged to bring a family member or friend for support and to help take notes. Dr. Abdulla will explain the proposed treatment plan, including goals, benefits, potential side effects, duration, and what to expect moving forward. Further tests may be ordered.
- What is immunotherapy and how does it work for cancer?
- Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer. It works by boosting or changing how the immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells more effectively. There are different types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Dr. Abdulla may recommend immunotherapy if it's an appropriate option for your type of cancer and will explain how it works and what to expect.
330 Columbia St E, Hematology Clinic, Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7
Phone: (604) 777-8358 | Fax: (604) 520-4778
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Abdulla is a licensed Hematologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338876/Abdulla%2CAlym