Dr. Greta Marie Joy – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Greta Marie Joy is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Joy is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Joy 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. Joy 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. Joy serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Greta Marie Joy earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2018. Following this, Dr. Joy completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 7 years of specialized practice since 2018, Dr. Joy's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Joy 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. Joy's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being; collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Joy provides consultations in English.

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

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• 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): Monitoring lung function and managing inflammation in patients with sarcoidosis affecting the lungs.

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

• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Care for acute bronchitis and other infectious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract.
• Asthma Management and Education: Helping patients achieve optimal asthma control, reduce exacerbations, and improve their quality of life.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Utilizing bronchoscopic techniques for accurate diagnosis of various lung pathologies.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Joy. 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. Greta Marie Joy 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. Greta Marie Joy'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. Joy frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• With Dr. Joy's compassionate and skilled respiratory care, managing unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough is focused on achieving a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease without severe breathing concerns.
• At Dr. Joy's clinic, addressing concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan means focusing on patient goals. Achieving quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath.
• Dr. Joy often consults with patients whose pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough significantly limits their enjoyment of reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• A key objective when treating wanting to understand their lung function test results at Dr. Joy's welcoming clinic is achieving successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.

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

Dr. Joy's practice, a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Future Subway Extension and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Joy 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. Joy 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 the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Joy 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. Joy 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Joy at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Joy 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. Joy 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. Joy 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.

2775 Laurel St Fl 7, Lung Centre, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Center
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4122

Dr. Greta Marie Joy 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: J0499

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/345781/Joy%2CGreta

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