Dr. Francis Leslie Charles Ervin – Pulmonologist | Maple Ridge, BC

Dr. Francis Leslie Charles Ervin is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Maple Ridge, BC, Dr. Ervin is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Ervin 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. Ervin 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. Ervin serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Francis Leslie Charles Ervin earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from Dalhousie University, graduating in 1979. Following this, Dr. Ervin completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 46 years of specialized practice since 1979, Dr. Ervin's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Ervin 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. Ervin's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. Dr. Ervin is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

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): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• 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.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.

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

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Analyzing radiological images to detect signs of infection, inflammation, tumors, or structural lung changes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Ervin. 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. Francis Leslie Charles Ervin 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. Francis Leslie Charles Ervin'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. Ervin frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• If needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Ervin develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at improved sleep quality and feeling more rested and energetic during the day (especially for sleep apnea). This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.
• For individuals troubled by experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment, Dr. Ervin's approach is focused on delivering being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions) with better lung health.
• For patients where feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life is a primary concern, Dr. Ervin focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.
• Overcoming or effectively managing trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 is a common journey for patients under Dr. Ervin's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems, so that daily routines and pleasures like playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Ervin's respiratory clinic in Maple Ridge is situated in the Central Maple Ridge, Haney neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near access to the Golden Ears Bridge and is easily accessible via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Ervin 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. Ervin are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the 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.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Ervin do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Ervin 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. Ervin at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Ervin 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. Ervin 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. Ervin 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.

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

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

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

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Ervin 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. Ervin 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.

308-22230 North Ave
Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 2L5

Phone: (604) 466-8199

Dr. Francis Leslie Charles Ervin 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: 2161

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/351809/Ervin%2CFrancis

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