Dr. Erik Vakil

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

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

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

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Vakil. 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. Erik Vakil adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Erik Vakil'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. Vakil frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough, Dr. Vakil provides solutions that lead to their child experiencing fewer asthma attacks and participating more fully in activities. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion.
• Dr. Vakil understands that dealing with feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities, helping patients comfortably get back to reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control and feeling their best.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Vakil when they first notice wanting to understand their lung function test results. Through personalized respiratory care, the goal is to achieve successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, enabling them to once again enjoy managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness without hesitation.
• Understanding the frustration trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 can cause, Dr. Vakil tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve early detection of lung cancer, leading to better treatment options, allowing for renewed participation in activities like returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.

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

Dr. Vakil's respiratory clinic in Calgary is situated in the SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near McMahon Stadium and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

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

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

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Vakil at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Vakil 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. Vakil 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. Vakil will discuss his 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Vakil covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Vakil are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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.

4448 Front St SE, 6th floor
Calgary, AB, T3M 1M4

Phone: (403) 956-2800

Dr. Erik Vakil is a licensed Respirologist in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 30005

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3a62ce89-fc4b-486b-8405-68aaf79861b7&i=1480

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