Dr. Jennifer M. Wilson – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

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

Dr. Jennifer M. Wilson earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from Mcmaster University, graduating in 1996. Following this, Dr. Wilson completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 29 years of specialized practice since 1996, Dr. Wilson's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Wilson 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. Wilson's medical practice philosophy include: promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life; empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management. Dr. Wilson provides consultations in English.

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

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosing and managing this chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs with no known cause.
• 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.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• 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. Wilson, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• COPD Management and Education: Developing strategies to slow disease progression, manage flare-ups, and enhance daily functioning for COPD patients.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Utilizing bronchoscopic techniques for accurate diagnosis of various lung pathologies.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Wilson. 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. Jennifer M. Wilson 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. Jennifer M. Wilson'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. Wilson frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment is a primary concern, Dr. Wilson focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Wilson with concerns about their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness, making a positive and lasting return to participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program not just possible, but highly feasible.
• A key objective when treating pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough at Dr. Wilson's welcoming clinic is achieving early detection of lung cancer, leading to better treatment options. 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.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Wilson to see patients who were troubled by a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk successfully achieve reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like reducing their reliance on rescue inhalers due to better baseline control.

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

Dr. Wilson's respiratory clinic in Vancouver is situated in the Fairview neighborhood, conveniently located near Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

What are some common conditions a Respirologist like Dr. Wilson treats?

Dr. Wilson diagnoses and manages a wide spectrum of disorders affecting breathing and lung health. Some common examples include asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), pneumonia and other lung infections, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases (like pulmonary fibrosis), pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs), and she is also involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Wilson 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. Wilson 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. Wilson at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Wilson will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Wilson 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. Wilson will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Wilson 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. Her 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. Dr. Wilson uses 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. Wilson?

In BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Wilson 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. Wilson 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. Wilson 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. Wilson 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. Wilson 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. Wilson 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 to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

2775 Laurel St Fl 7, The Lung Centre
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4122

Dr. Jennifer M. Wilson 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: 26365

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312687/Wilson%2CJennifer

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