Dr. Francis Wei-li Shih – Pathologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Francis Shih is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory in New Westminster, BC, he collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties to deliver precise and timely diagnostic insights. The laboratory is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood, conveniently accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). It is part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, meeting accessibility standards, and functions as a core diagnostic service supporting comprehensive patient care. This environment ensures a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and integration with clinical teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Dr. Shih received his medical education from the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with an MD in 2007. He holds specialty certification as an Anatomical Pathologist and maintains certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and laboratory quality assurance. His professional development is rooted in a commitment to ongoing education, maintaining current knowledge of advances in diagnostic pathology and laboratory medicine.

Dedicated to diagnostic excellence, Dr. Shih emphasizes accuracy and precision in his work, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies. He values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality and patient safety, he also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Beyond his technical expertise, he is committed to supporting patient care in New Westminster and can communicate findings in Cantonese when liaising with multilingual clinical teams, in addition to providing primary reports in English.

Dr. Shih 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

The diagnostic laboratory or hospital pathology department where Dr. Shih practices is located in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood of New Westminster. It is conveniently situated near the Douglas College New Westminster Campus and accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The facility provides a modern, fully equipped environment for diagnostic testing, supporting a wide range of laboratory services. The laboratory 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 liaison representative for assistance.

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

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

Dr. Shih, in his role as an 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, analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. He also interprets blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.

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

Dr. Shih is an 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. He is a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.

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

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Shih are critical tools for treating physicians. They contain detailed descriptions of microscopic findings and a definitive diagnosis. This information allows other doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's illness, plan surgeries, choose medications, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatments. The accuracy of Dr. Shih's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

Will I meet Dr. Shih directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Shih 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. Shih's findings with you.

330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital, Department of Pathology
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Laboratory Phone: (604) 520-4253

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

Dr. Shih is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Shih 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. Shih's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/376603/Shih%2CFrancis