About
Dr. Jenika Howell is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Calgary, AB, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her role involves detailed examination and interpretation of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to aid in accurate disease identification. The laboratory where Dr. Howell is based is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, ensuring precise and timely results that support clinical decision-making across multiple medical disciplines. The facility is accessible and compliant with accessibility standards, typically situated within a larger hospital or medical center complex in Calgary’s NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood. It is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), facilitating specimen drop-off and staff access. For specimen submission or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison.
Dr. Howell graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2008. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in anatomical pathology and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Anatomical Pathologist in Alberta. Her certification is maintained through rigorous continuing medical education and adherence to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her training includes specialized expertise in histopathology, cytopathology, and molecular diagnostics, ensuring comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
Dedicated to diagnostic excellence, Dr. Howell emphasizes accuracy and precision in her work. She utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies to provide detailed and reliable pathology reports. Her professional philosophy centers on effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Dr. Howell is committed to upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety. In addition to her primary diagnostic responsibilities, she actively contributes to medical knowledge through research and education initiatives. Fluent in English and capable of communicating findings in French, she supports a diverse clinical team and patient population, ensuring clear and accurate dissemination of diagnostic information in Calgary.
Dr. Howell provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic pathology services. For specific inquiries about test availability or consultative services, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly.
Note: This list outlines key diagnostic areas. Pathology services support a wide spectrum of medical investigations. Detailed reports are provided to referring physicians for clinical correlation.
All pathology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.
The diagnostic laboratory where Dr. Howell operates is situated in Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood, within a modern hospital or dedicated medical facility. The laboratory is easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), with facilities meeting accessibility standards. Typically part of a larger hospital or medical complex, it provides a state-of-the-art environment for diagnostic pathology. For specimen drop-off or inquiries, referring physicians are encouraged to contact the laboratory's main office or designated contact points for assistance.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Howell used by other doctors?
- The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Howell is fundamental for patient care. It confirms or refutes clinical suspicions, classifies diseases (e.g., type and grade of cancer), identifies infectious agents, and can provide prognostic information. Surgeons use pathology reports to determine if a tumor was completely removed, oncologists to select appropriate chemotherapy, and general practitioners to manage chronic conditions. Essentially, Dr. Howell's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Howell?
- Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Howell and their laboratory adhere to stringent quality control and quality assurance protocols. This includes standardized specimen handling and processing, use of calibrated equipment, participation in proficiency testing programs, internal case reviews, and consultations with colleagues on complex cases. Pathologists like Dr. Howell undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Howell in healthcare?
- A Pathologist, such as Dr. Howell, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Howell, as a Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues., plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Howell's lab?
- Receiving pathology results typically takes anywhere from a few days for routine cases to one or more weeks for complex specimens requiring special stains or molecular analysis. Dr. Howell and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Howell's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.
- Will I meet Dr. Howell directly as a patient?
- Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Howell. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Howell then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Howell examine?
- Dr. Howell, in their role as a Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues., analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. They also interpret blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Laboratory Phone: (403) 944-2285 | Laboratory Fax: (403) 944-4748
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Howell is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Pathology services by Dr. Howell are accessed via referrals for specimen analysis from primary care physicians or other specialists. Results and reports are communicated back to the referring doctor.
Verify Dr. Howell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b975f98b-69a0-4709-80ef-f14175d0df82&i=640