Dr. Gail Ann Rock – Pathologist | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Gail Rock is a highly skilled Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist), specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within a diagnostic laboratory at a major hospital in Ottawa, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to ensure the highest quality of diagnostic services. Dr. Rock is an expert in Hematological Pathology, diagnosing diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid system. This includes leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and various anemias, utilizing morphological analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular techniques. The laboratory where Dr. Rock works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada and has over 33 years of experience as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist), having commenced her practice in 1991. Dr. Rock is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and ongoing medical education.

Dr. Rock’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision. She utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and technologies, fostering effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure 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. Dedicated to diagnostic excellence, Dr. Rock supports patient care in Ottawa by providing accurate, timely diagnostic reports in English, ensuring clinicians have the critical information needed for patient treatment.

Dr. Rock 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. Rock works within a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory located in the Vanier East, Rockcliffe Park South neighborhood of Ottawa, ON. The facility is situated near the Confederation Building and is easily accessible via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The laboratory is housed within a comprehensive hospital or medical center complex, meeting accessibility standards to accommodate all patients and staff. The laboratory environment is designed to support advanced diagnostic procedures, ensuring prompt and accurate results. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison.

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

Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Rock works, operate under strict quality management systems. This involves numerous checks and balances, from specimen receipt to final report generation. Diagnoses are often based on established criteria, and for challenging cases, pathologists frequently consult with peers or seek second opinions. Continuous education and adherence to best practices are essential for ensuring the high level of accuracy expected in pathology reports provided by Dr. Rock.

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

Pathologists like Dr. Rock 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 Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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. Rock is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

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

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

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

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Rock, 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. Rock, as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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. Rock'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. Rock and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Rock's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

Will I meet Dr. Rock directly as a patient?

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

#404, 270 Sandridge Road
Ottawa, ON K1L 5A2

Laboratory Phone: (613) 741-0174 | Laboratory Fax: (613) 749-6131

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

Dr. Rock is a licensed Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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. Rock 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. Rock's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rock-Gail-Ann/0021034-25822