Dr. Carolyn Jane Shiau – Pathologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Carolyn Shiau is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in New Westminster, BC, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She specializes in Anatomical Pathology, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers. The laboratory where Dr. Shiau works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

Dr. Shiau graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 2006. She holds specialty certification as an Anatomical Pathologist and has obtained key certifications, including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her extensive training and ongoing professional development ensure her expertise in diagnostic pathology and laboratory medicine.

With a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, Dr. Shiau utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and technologies to deliver reliable results. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Dedicated to supporting patient care in New Westminster, she provides diagnostic expertise and reporting in English, fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare delivery.

Dr. Shiau provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic pathology services. For specific inquiries about test availability or consultative services, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly.

Note: This list outlines key diagnostic areas. Pathology services support a wide spectrum of medical investigations. Detailed reports are provided to referring physicians for clinical correlation.

All pathology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

The diagnostic laboratory where Dr. Shiau practices is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. It is conveniently located near the Anvil Centre and accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The facility is a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment, meeting all accessibility standards and typically integrated within a larger hospital or medical center complex. The laboratory functions as a core diagnostic service within a comprehensive healthcare institution, providing essential pathology services to support patient diagnosis and management. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians should contact the laboratory's main office or their respective office staff for arrangements.

Will I meet Dr. Shiau directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Shiau play a critical role in patient care, they primarily work behind the scenes in the laboratory, analyzing patient samples and consulting with other physicians. It's generally uncommon for patients to meet their pathologist directly, unless the pathologist has a subspecialty that involves some direct patient procedures (e.g., some hematopathologists performing bone marrow biopsies, though this is often done by hematologists/oncologists). Your primary interaction will be with your treating physician who orders the tests and discusses Dr. Shiau's findings with you.

What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Shiau in healthcare?

Dr. Shiau is an Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues., a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Shiau's lab?

Receiving pathology results typically takes anywhere from a few days for routine cases to one or more weeks for complex specimens requiring special stains or molecular analysis. Dr. Shiau and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Shiau's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Shiau used by other doctors?

The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Shiau is fundamental for patient care. It confirms or refutes clinical suspicions, classifies diseases (e.g., type and grade of cancer), identifies infectious agents, and can provide prognostic information. Surgeons use pathology reports to determine if a tumor was completely removed, oncologists to select appropriate chemotherapy, and general practitioners to manage chronic conditions. Essentially, Dr. Shiau's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.

How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Shiau?

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Shiau and their laboratory adhere to stringent quality control and quality assurance protocols. This includes standardized specimen handling and processing, use of calibrated equipment, participation in proficiency testing programs, internal case reviews, and consultations with colleagues on complex cases. Pathologists like Dr. Shiau undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Shiau examine?

Dr. Shiau, in their role as a Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues., analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. They also interpret blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.

330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital, Dept of Pathology
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Laboratory Phone: (604) 520-4310 | Laboratory Fax: (604) 520-4409

The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.

Dr. Shiau is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Shiau are accessed via referrals for specimen analysis from primary care physicians or other specialists. Results and reports are communicated back to the referring doctor.

Verify Dr. Shiau's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/340396/Shiau%2CCarolyn