Dr. Bruno Imbeault – Pulmonologist | Sept-Îles, QC

Dr. Bruno Imbeault is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Centre Hospitalier Régional de Sept-Iles in Sept-Îles, QC, Dr. Imbeault is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Imbeault is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Imbeault 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. Imbeault serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Bruno Imbeault earned a Medical Degree in 1985. Following this, Dr. Imbeault completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 40 years of specialized practice since 1985, Dr. Imbeault's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Imbeault 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. Imbeault'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. Dr. Imbeault offers consultations in French.

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. Bruno Imbeault diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

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

• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Care for acute bronchitis and other infectious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract.
• COPD Management and Education: Multifaceted approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, focusing on symptom relief, smoking cessation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Imbeault. 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. Bruno Imbeault adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Centre Hospitalier Régional de Sept-Iles, 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. Imbeault frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Imbeault about a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk is to attain slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• With Dr. Imbeault's compassionate and skilled respiratory care, managing needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health is focused on achieving better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day without severe breathing concerns.
• When patients discuss experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment, Dr. Imbeault outlines a path to improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests, aiming to restore not just respiratory health but also the ability to comfortably participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• Overcoming or effectively managing needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home is a common journey for patients under Dr. Imbeault's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, so that daily routines and pleasures like traveling by car or plane with greater comfort become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Imbeault practices at Centre Hospitalier Régional de Sept-Iles, centrally located within the Sept-Îles neighborhood of Sept-Îles. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Imbeault 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. Imbeault 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.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Imbeault at Centre Hospitalier Régional de Sept-Iles?

The first visit with Dr. Imbeault 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. Imbeault 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. Imbeault 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.

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

Yes, in QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Imbeault for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Imbeault has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

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

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

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

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Imbeault covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Imbeault are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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 for patients to inquire with Centre Hospitalier Régional de Sept-Iles about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

Centre Hospitalier Régional de Sept-Iles
45 rue du Père-Divet
Sept-Îles, QC, G4R 3N7

Phone: (418) 962-9761

Dr. Bruno Imbeault is a licensed Pneumologue (Respirologue) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 85352

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=85352

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