Dr. Craig Steven Fava

As a Respirologist, Dr. Craig Steven Fava diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

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

• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Advocating for participation in structured exercise and education programs tailored for individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Expert interpretation of a full range of pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, bronchoprovocation) to assess lung health and diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fava. 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. Craig Steven Fava 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. Craig Steven Fava'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. Fava frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• The journey from wanting to understand their lung function test results to wellness often involves Dr. Fava's dedicated care. The milestone is improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests, which opens the door back to activities such as returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• The path to improved respiratory wellness, especially when facing needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health, involves working systematically towards improved sleep quality and feeling more rested and energetic during the day (especially for sleep apnea). Dr. Fava expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Fava about unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough is to attain an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like carrying light loads without feeling severely winded.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough with Dr. Fava's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy their child being able to keep up with peers during play and sports once more.

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

Dr. Fava's respiratory clinic in New Westminster is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Historic Downtown New Westminster and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Fava 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. Fava 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.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Fava 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. Fava has the necessary background medical information. Patients should speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need a respiratory assessment.

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

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Fava 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. Fava 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. Fava do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Fava 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Fava at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Fava 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. Fava 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. Fava 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.

330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital, Intensive Care Unit
New Westminster, BC, V3L 3W7

Phone: (604) 520-4576

Dr. Craig Steven Fava 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: 27367

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/323775/Fava%2CCraig

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