Dr. Amy Po Yu Tsai – Pulmonologist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Amy Po Yu Tsai is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Surrey, BC, Dr. Tsai is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Tsai 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. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Tsai focuses 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. Tsai serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Amy Po Yu Tsai earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2015. Following this, Dr. Tsai completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 10 years of specialized practice since 2015, Dr. Tsai's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care; promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. Dr. Tsai is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Mandarin.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Amy Po Yu Tsai diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosing and managing this chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs with no known cause.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

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

• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Analyzing results from breathing tests to measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Asthma Management and Education: Helping patients achieve optimal asthma control, reduce exacerbations, and improve their quality of life.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tsai. 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. Amy Po Yu Tsai 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. Amy Po Yu Tsai'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. Tsai frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Tsai's compassionate and skilled respiratory care, managing trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 is focused on achieving achieving better control of their asthma or COPD symptoms, with fewer flare-ups. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions) without severe breathing concerns.
• If feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life has unfortunately put singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Tsai works closely with patients towards attaining slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, effectively helping them regain their previous level of respiratory function and confidence.
• The path to improved respiratory wellness, especially when facing wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe, involves working systematically towards being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness. Dr. Tsai expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• Patients experiencing worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs often express a desire to improve their respiratory health and function. At Dr. Tsai's practice, a key objective is breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness.

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

Dr. Tsai's respiratory clinic in Surrey is situated in the West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is conveniently located near Historic Cloverdale Town Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Tsai 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.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

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

The first visit with Dr. Tsai will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai 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 you to establish health goals.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided you have 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.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Tsai 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. Tsai 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.

13761 96 Ave Unit 402, City Centre 3
Surrey, BC, V3V 0E8

Phone: (778) 293-0592

Dr. Amy Po Yu Tsai 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: 85281

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338577/Tsai%2CAmy

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is typically required to see Dr. Tsai. Dr. Tsai 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.