Dr. Heather Jeanine Sutherland – Oncologist / Hematologist | Abbotsford, BC

Dr. Heather Jeanine Sutherland is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre or hospital department in Abbotsford, BC, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team. She addresses a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions. Her approach emphasizes comprehensive patient care, ensuring individuals receive tailored treatment plans that improve health outcomes.

She graduated with an MD from the University of Saskatchewan in 1980 and has completed extensive postgraduate training in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Dr. Sutherland holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her dedication to maintaining high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Sutherland's clinical philosophy centers on multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatment, and patient-centered care. She is committed to supporting her patients and their families throughout their health journeys in Abbotsford. Fluent in English, she combines medical expertise with compassionate communication to ensure her patients feel well-informed and supported at every stage of their treatment.

Dr. Heather Sutherland has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Hemolytic Anemia (e.g., Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia - AIHA): A disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them.
• Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells.
• Thrombophilia & Acquired Clotting Disorders (e.g., DVT/PE management, Antiphospholipid Syndrome): Conditions that increase the tendency to form blood clots, requiring anticoagulation therapy and management.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
• Multiple Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow that produces antibodies, leading to bone damage and other complications.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Heather Sutherland or your referring physician.

• Management of Clotting Disorders / Thrombophilia (Inherited & Acquired): Diagnosis, anticoagulation therapy, and long-term management for conditions predisposing to abnormal blood clots (e.g., DVT, PE, Factor V Leiden, Antiphospholipid Syndrome).
• Management of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Diagnosis and treatment of bone marrow failure disorders, including supportive care, growth factors, and disease-modifying therapies.
• Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy (Performance or Interpretation): Performing or interpreting samples from bone marrow aspirations and biopsies to diagnose blood disorders and cancers.
• Neutropenia & Other White Blood Cell Disorders Evaluation: Investigating and managing low or abnormal white blood cell counts, increasing susceptibility to infections.
• Management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): Treatment strategies to control blood counts, manage symptoms, and prevent complications associated with these chronic bone marrow disorders.
• Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management of Anemias: Investigating and treating various types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, hemolytic anemias (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Sutherland provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Sutherland or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Dr. Sutherland practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighborhood of Abbotsford, BC. The facility is situated within a short distance of landmarks such as Sevenoaks Shopping Centre and the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre. Easily accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit), the centre is designed to accommodate patients with mobility needs, featuring wheelchair accessibility. Metered street parking is available nearby, making visits convenient for patients and their families. The location provides access to advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities essential for comprehensive blood disorder and cancer care.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Sutherland, an Hematologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Hematologist such as Dr. Sutherland are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Medical Services Plan (MSP), Dr. Sutherland's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Sutherland, an Hematologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Hematologist like Dr. Sutherland for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

What is immunotherapy and how does it work for cancer?

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer. It works by boosting or changing how the immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells more effectively. There are different types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Dr. Sutherland may recommend immunotherapy if it's an appropriate option for your type of cancer and will explain how it works and what to expect.

Why might I need a bone marrow biopsy, and what does it involve if Dr. Sutherland recommends it?

A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are procedures used to collect and examine bone marrow, the soft tissue inside your bones where blood cells are made. Dr. Sutherland might recommend this test to diagnose or monitor various blood disorders, including leukemias, lymphomas, myeloma, anemias, or infections. The procedure is usually done on the back of the hip bone under local anesthesia. A needle is used to withdraw a small sample of liquid marrow (aspiration) and a small core of bone marrow tissue (biopsy). You may feel some pressure or brief pain.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Sutherland?

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Sutherland, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Sutherland works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

What happens after cancer treatment is completed with Dr. Sutherland?

After active cancer treatment finishes, Dr. Sutherland will develop a survivorship care plan with you. This plan typically includes a schedule for follow-up appointments and tests to monitor for any signs of recurrence, management of any long-term side effects from treatment, recommendations for healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise), and coordination with your family doctor for ongoing general health care. The goal is to support your long-term health and well-being.

What does an Oncologist and/or Hematologist like Dr. Sutherland specialize in?

An Oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This can include Medical Oncologists who use systemic treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Radiation Oncologists who use radiation therapy, and Surgical Oncologists who perform surgery to remove tumors. A Hematologist specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph glands; this includes benign conditions like anemia and bleeding disorders, as well as malignant conditions (blood cancers) like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Dr. Sutherland has expertise in hematology, focusing on blood disorder diagnosis and treatment, and may also have experience in cancer care within hematology context.

32900 Marshall Rd, BC Cancer - Abbotsford
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2

Phone: (604) 851-4710 | Fax: (604) 851-4729

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Sutherland is a licensed Hematologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/304890/Sutherland%2CHeather