About
Dr. Christine Hye Chong Lee is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Victoria in Victoria, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring quality and safety in patient management. Her role as a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment guidelines.
She graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 1994. Following medical school, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She also holds qualifications in Medical Microbiology. Dr. Lee is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) with extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. She maintains key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and clinical excellence.
Dr. Lee's professional philosophy centers on achieving accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases through evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and managing complex infections in vulnerable populations. Her collaborative approach involves working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and community health. She is also proficient in Korean, ensuring clear communication with diverse patient populations and providing culturally sensitive care.
Dr. Christine Lee provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:
Fungal and Parasitic Infections
Dr. Lee manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.
- Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Requires aggressive antifungal therapy and management of underlying immune deficiencies.
- Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.
- Malaria: A mosquito-borne parasitic disease prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions.
Common Bacterial Infections
Dr. Lee manages treatment typically involves appropriate antibiotic therapy, a cornerstone of infectious disease practice.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Managed in collaboration with orthopedic specialists.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Recurrent or complicated: Infections in any part of the urinary system, often causing painful urination, frequency, and urgency.
- Pneumonia (Bacterial): An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus.
Viral Infections and Syndromes
Management may involve antiviral medications for specific viruses, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination.
- Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Includes antiviral therapy for acute episodes and management of complications, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Includes PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) services.
- Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E): Diagnosis, management, and treatment of liver inflammation caused by hepatitis viruses.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Christine Lee is necessary.
- Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
- Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.
- Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Monitoring treatment response and managing complications.
- Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Diagnosis and management of tropical diseases and infections acquired during travel (e.g., malaria, dengue, typhoid).
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
- Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Lee.
All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Lee practices at an infectious disease clinic located in the vibrant Fairfield East neighborhood of Victoria, BC. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Downtown Core, easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional and discreet environment tailored to the needs of patients with complex infectious conditions. Patients can typically find convenient parking options in proximity to the clinic, ensuring easy access for those seeking specialized infectious disease services in Victoria.
- What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?
- An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Lee is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Lee may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. A Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
- Are services from Dr. Lee covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Lee under Medical Services Plan (MSP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lee?
- For most consultations with Dr. Lee that are medically necessary and covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP), a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is typically needed. This helps in coordinating your care effectively and ensures all relevant information is shared. In urgent inpatient situations, referrals are often made directly by the hospital team. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (250) 370-8735.
- What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Lee specialize in?
- Dr. Lee is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. She provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Lee?
- Dr. Lee treats a wide spectrum of infectious conditions. Common areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (B and C), tuberculosis, complex bacterial infections (like sepsis, endocarditis, or osteomyelitis), fungal infections, parasitic diseases, fevers of unknown origin, and infections in immunocompromised patients. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- What is Dr. Lee's role in antibiotic stewardship?
- Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Lee play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Lee may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.
an infectious disease clinic in Victoria
1952 Bay St, Microbiology Lab
Victoria, BC V8R 1J8
Office Phone: (250) 519-1898 | Office Fax: (250) 370-8735
Dr. Lee is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Lee, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Lee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/356567/Lee%2CChristine