Dr. Giuseppe Giustino – Pulmonologist | Surrey, BC

Dr. Giuseppe Giustino is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Surrey Memorial Hospital in Surrey, BC, Dr. Giustino is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Giustino 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. Giustino 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. Giustino serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Giuseppe Giustino earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1993. Following this, Dr. Giustino completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 32 years of specialized practice since 1993, Dr. Giustino's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Giustino 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. Giustino's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being. Dr. Giustino provides consultations in English.

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

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.
• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

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

• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Referring eligible patients to comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve exercise capacity, reduce symptoms, and enhance self-management skills.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Giustino. 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. Giuseppe Giustino 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 Surrey Memorial Hospital, 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. Giustino frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly with Dr. Giustino's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy carrying light loads without feeling severely winded once more.
• At Dr. Giustino's clinic, addressing difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs means focusing on patient goals. Achieving better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.
• If finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks is preventing you from fully enjoying traveling by car or plane with greater comfort or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Giustino offers expert respiratory solutions. The primary aim is to achieve feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey through comprehensive and personalized care.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs, Dr. Giustino offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty.

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

Dr. Giustino's practice is located at Surrey Memorial Hospital, situated in the Guildford, Fraser Heights neighborhood of Surrey. The clinic is conveniently located near the Langley Border and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Giustino at Surrey Memorial Hospital?

The first visit with Dr. Giustino 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. Giustino 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. Giustino 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Giustino 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. Giustino are typically covered by provincial health plans such as 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 Surrey Memorial Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surrey Memorial Hospital
9639 137A St Suite 502
Surrey, BC, V3T 0M1

Phone: (604) 582-2100

Dr. Giuseppe Giustino 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: 26027

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324599/Giustino%2CGiuseppe

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