Dr. Ian Murray Fraser

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

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: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.

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

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Referring eligible patients to comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve exercise capacity, reduce symptoms, and enhance self-management skills.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Analyzing radiological images to detect signs of infection, inflammation, tumors, or structural lung changes.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fraser. 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. Ian Murray Fraser adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Grand River 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. Fraser frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Fraser about coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus is to attain improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion.
• When unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to climbing a small hill or incline with improved endurance, Dr. Fraser and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems and a return to comfort and confidence in their breathing.
• The journey from pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough to wellness often involves Dr. Fraser's dedicated care. The milestone is feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, which opens the door back to activities such as attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.
• Many people seek Dr. Fraser's professional help and expertise when dealing with worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood.

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

Dr. Fraser's practice is located at Grand River Hospital in the Woodbine Heights neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Distillery District and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Fraser covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Fraser are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, 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 Grand River Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Fraser 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. Fraser 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. Fraser at Grand River Hospital?

The first visit with Dr. Fraser 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. Fraser 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. Fraser will discuss his 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.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Fraser 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. His 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. He uses various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

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

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

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Fraser for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Fraser 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.

Grand River Hospital
825 Coxwell Avenue, PO Box 9056
Toronto, ON, M4C 3E7

Phone: (416) 469-7777

Dr. Ian Murray Fraser is a licensed Respirologist in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 33484

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Fraser-Ian-Murray/0028661-33484

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