Dr. Giulio Stuart Dominelli – Pulmonologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Giulio Stuart Dominelli is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Dominelli is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Dominelli 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.

Dr. Dominelli serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions as a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), focusing 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. Giulio Stuart Dominelli earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2009. Following this, Dr. Dominelli completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 16 years of specialized practice since 2009, Dr. Dominelli's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Dominelli 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. Dominelli's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. Dr. Dominelli provides consultations in English.

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

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosing and managing this chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs with no known cause.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.
• Asthma: Comprehensive care for reversible airway obstruction characterized by wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

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

• 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.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Advocating for participation in structured exercise and education programs tailored for individuals with respiratory conditions.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Analyzing results from breathing tests to measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dominelli. 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. Giulio Stuart Dominelli 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. Giulio Stuart Dominelli'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. Dominelli frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Dominelli's comprehensive care for a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away is meticulously designed to result in a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing without severe breathing worries.
• Managing needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Dominelli and the medical team. The clear aim is always successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying managing their personal care and hygiene independently and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• For those affected by feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life, Dr. Dominelli provides solutions that lead to clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed wanting to understand their lung function test results with Dr. Dominelli's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy being able to lie flat in bed comfortably (for some conditions) once more.

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

Dr. Dominelli's practice, a respiratory clinic in Kelowna, is situated in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near South Pandosy Village and is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

In British Columbia, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Dominelli for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Dominelli has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a respiratory assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Dominelli will involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Dominelli will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system. Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Dominelli will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy), and outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Dominelli recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests measuring lung function. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Dominelli might recommend PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess the severity of a known lung disease, monitor its progression, or evaluate treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

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

A Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Dominelli is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing lung and respiratory system diseases. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life. They use various diagnostic tools and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Dominelli are experts in managing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. After assessment, Dr. Dominelli develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing inhaler medications, educating on inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life.

What are some common conditions a Respirologist like Dr. Dominelli treats?

Dr. Dominelli treats a wide spectrum of disorders affecting breathing and lung health, including asthma, COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), pneumonia and other lung infections, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases (like pulmonary fibrosis), pleural effusions, and is involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Dominelli 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. Dominelli are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any.

204-1835 Gordon Dr, Okanagan Lung Centre
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H5

Phone: (778) 477-5805

Dr. Giulio Stuart Dominelli 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: 66711

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331152/Dominelli%2CGiulio

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