About
Dr. Dragana Pilavdzic 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 Oshawa, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). 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. Pilavdzic works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.
She earned her Medical Degree from the University of Zagreb in Croatia and has over 29 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 1995. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her extensive training and expertise in the field of diagnostic pathology.
Dr. Pilavdzic’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision. She utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies to ensure high-quality results. She emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to facilitate optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. In addition to her primary reports in English, she communicates with multilingual clinical teams in Bosnian, Croatian, French, and Serbian, supporting comprehensive and inclusive patient care in Oshawa.
Dr. Pilavdzic 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.
Dr. Pilavdzic works within a diagnostic laboratory or hospital pathology department located in Oshawa's Vanier, McLaughlin West neighborhood. The facility is conveniently situated near the Legends Centre and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). The laboratory environment is state-of-the-art, equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to support accurate and timely results. The facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their office staff for assistance. This location serves as a core diagnostic service within the healthcare infrastructure of Oshawa, offering comprehensive laboratory medicine support to the community.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Pilavdzic in healthcare?
- A Pathologist, such as Dr. Pilavdzic, 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. Pilavdzic, 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 long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Pilavdzic'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. Pilavdzic and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Pilavdzic's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Pilavdzic examine?
- Pathologists like Dr. Pilavdzic 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. Pilavdzic is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Pilavdzic?
- Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Pilavdzic 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. Pilavdzic undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Pilavdzic used by other doctors?
- The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Pilavdzic 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. Pilavdzic's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.
- Will I meet Dr. Pilavdzic directly as a patient?
- While Pathologists like Dr. Pilavdzic play a critical role in patient care, they primarily work behind the scenes in the laboratory, analyzing patient samples and consulting with other physicians. It's generally uncommon for patients to meet their pathologist directly, unless the pathologist has a subspecialty that involves some direct patient procedures (e.g., some hematopathologists performing bone marrow biopsies, though this is often done by hematologists/oncologists). Your primary interaction will be with your treating physician who orders the tests and discusses Dr. Pilavdzic's findings with you.
1 Hospital Crt
Oshawa, ON L1G 2B9
Laboratory Phone: (905) 576-8711 | Laboratory Fax: (905) 721-4757
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Pilavdzic 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. Pilavdzic 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. Pilavdzic's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pilavdzic-Dragana/0049107-63085