About
Dr. Charlene Hunter 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 Calgary, AB, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The laboratory is situated in a diagnostic environment equipped with advanced technology, ensuring accurate and timely results that support clinical decision-making. Dr. Hunter’s role involves meticulous examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to assist in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including cancers and inflammatory diseases. Her commitment to excellence aligns with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality diagnostic services.
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. Hunter works is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to ensure precise and reliable results, supporting clinical management across multiple medical disciplines.
Dr. Hunter graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2002. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Anatomical Pathologist in Alberta. Her professional development includes certification from recognized medical boards, ensuring her expertise remains current and aligned with best practices in diagnostic pathology.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision. Dr. Hunter utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and technologies, fostering effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. She upholds the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, contributing to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education where applicable. Dedicated to diagnostic excellence, Dr. Hunter provides comprehensive and clear reports in English, supporting clinicians in delivering exceptional patient care in Calgary.
Dr. Hunter 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.
The diagnostic laboratory or hospital pathology department where Dr. Hunter practices is located in Calgary's NW neighborhoods such as Banff Trail, Capitol Hill, or University Heights. The facility is situated in a modern, accessible complex near Prince's Island Park, easily reachable via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The laboratory meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians or their staff are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or the hospital's pathology department for detailed directions and operational hours.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Hunter?
- Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Hunter and her 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. Hunter undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.
- Will I meet Dr. Hunter directly as a patient?
- Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Hunter. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Hunter then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Hunter'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. Hunter and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Hunter's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Hunter in healthcare?
- Dr. Hunter 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. She is 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.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Hunter examine?
- Pathologists like Dr. Hunter examine a wide variety of biological samples. These include small tissue samples from biopsies (e.g., skin, colon, breast), larger surgical resections of organs or tumors, cytological preparations (like Pap smears or fluid samples from body cavities), blood smears, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, and, in some cases, entire bodies during an autopsy. Each type of specimen provides unique information for diagnosing different diseases. As 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, Dr. Hunter is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.
1-3535 Research Rd NW
Calgary, AB T2L 2K8
Laboratory Phone: (403) 770-3569
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Hunter is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Pathology services by Dr. Hunter 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. Hunter's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=d7e56542-4bfa-4441-b7f3-c566edba6f2a&i=651