Dr. Denis Hector Gravel – Pathologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Denis Gravel is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at St Joseph's Healthcare in Ottawa, ON, he collaborates closely with clinicians across various medical specialties. The facility where he practices is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, ensuring the delivery of accurate and timely results that support clinical decision-making. The laboratory is situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood, within close proximity to the University of Ottawa. It is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus), and the facility meets accessibility standards, typically functioning as part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are encouraged to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison.

He 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. His expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers, thereby playing a vital role in guiding patient management and treatment strategies. Dr. Gravel’s work supports other healthcare professionals by providing definitive diagnoses essential for effective clinical interventions.

Dr. Gravel graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has accumulated over 26 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist, practicing since 1998. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. He values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient care. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, Dr. Gravel also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education. Fluent in both English and French, he effectively communicates diagnostic findings to diverse clinical teams in Ottawa, supporting comprehensive patient management.

Dr. Gravel 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

St Joseph's Healthcare in Ottawa is located within the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The laboratory is situated in a modern facility equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, ensuring the highest standards of laboratory medicine. The location is easily accessible via public transportation, including OC Transpo's O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility meets all accessibility standards and is generally part of a larger hospital or medical complex. For specimen submission, urgent inquiries, or further information, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory’s main office or their designated liaison for details on specimen drop-off procedures and operational hours.

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

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Gravel 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. Gravel undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

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

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Gravel, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Gravel, 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, plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.

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

The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Gravel 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. Gravel's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.

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

Pathologists like Dr. Gravel 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 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, Dr. Gravel is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Gravel'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. Gravel and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Gravel's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

St Joseph's Healthcare
501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Laboratory Phone: (613) 737-8289 | Laboratory Fax: (613) 737-8853

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

Dr. Gravel is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Gravel 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. Gravel's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gravel-Denis-Hector/0053776-67480