Dr. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Leung is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Leung 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. Leung 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. Leung serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2016. Following this, Dr. Leung completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 9 years of specialized practice since 2016, Dr. Leung's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Leung 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. Leung's medical practice philosophy include a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being; promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. Dr. Leung is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Cantonese.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.

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

• 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.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• 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. Leung. 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. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung 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. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung'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. Leung frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• If living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Leung develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at effective relief from symptoms related to pleural effusions. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• A key objective when treating needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home at Dr. Leung's welcoming clinic is achieving a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like managing their inhalers or other respiratory medications correctly and effectively.
• Effectively addressing pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough with Dr. Leung's comprehensive respiratory approach often leads to the desired outcome of an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion and social interactions.
• If needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly has unfortunately put performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Leung works closely with patients towards attaining a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition, effectively helping them regain their previous level of respiratory function and confidence.

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

Dr. Leung's respiratory clinic in Vancouver is situated in the Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood, conveniently located near Rogers Arena and accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Leung 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. Leung are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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 the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Leung 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. Leung 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Leung do?

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

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

How is a Respirologist different from a Thoracic Surgeon or an Allergist?

While all three may deal with conditions affecting breathing, their approaches differ. Thoracic Surgeons are surgical specialists who perform operations on organs in the chest, including the lungs (e.g., lung cancer surgery, lung biopsies). Allergists (Allergist & Clinical Immunologists) are medical specialists who diagnose and treat allergic conditions, which can include allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, often using immunotherapy and medication. Respirologists like Dr. Leung are medical specialists focused on the non-surgical diagnosis and medical management of a broad range of lung and respiratory diseases, using medications, inhaler therapies, diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy, and management of conditions like COPD and sleep apnea. They often coordinate long-term care for chronic respiratory illnesses.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Leung 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. Leung 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. Leung at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Leung 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. Leung 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. Leung 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.

8B-1081 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 806-8818

Dr. Clarus Ka-Wing Leung 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: 31130

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341192/Leung%2CClarus

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