About
Dr. Joanne Pamela Yeung is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at an allergy and immunology clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Yeung's focus is on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system, utilizing up-to-date diagnostic tools and treatment strategies to improve her patients' quality of life.
She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2007. Following her medical degree, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy. She is a board-certified Allergist / Immunologist with extensive postgraduate training in allergy and immunology. Dr. Yeung holds key certifications, including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in her field.
Dr. Yeung's professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. She is dedicated to empowering her patients with knowledge about their conditions and self-management strategies. By utilizing evidence-based approaches and the latest advancements in allergy and immunology, she aims to improve her patients' quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions. Dr. Yeung collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide comprehensive, integrated care. She is also proficient in Cantonese, ensuring clear and effective communication with her diverse patient population.
Dr. Joanne Yeung provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:
Skin Allergies and Dermatitis
Dr. Yeung manages inflammatory skin conditions often triggered or exacerbated by allergic reactions to environmental substances, foods, or direct contact with irritants/allergens.
- Angioedema: Can occur with urticaria or independently, and may be allergic or hereditary.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Treatment involves moisturizers, topical corticosteroids/calcineurin inhibitors, and trigger avoidance.
- Contact Dermatitis (Allergic or Irritant): Management includes avoiding the offending substance and using topical treatments.
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Dr. Yeung manages patients who often experience recurrent, severe, or unusual infections, requiring specialized diagnosis and management.
- Secondary Immunodeficiencies (e.g., due to HIV, Medications): Weakened immune function resulting from other diseases (like HIV/AIDS, certain cancers) or treatments (like chemotherapy, long-term corticosteroids, immunosuppressants).
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD): A group of over 400 rare, chronic disorders in which part of the body's immune system is missing or functions improperly.
- Humoral (Antibody) Deficiencies: Leads to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, especially of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies
Dr. Yeung manages accurate diagnosis and implements effective avoidance and emergency treatment strategies.
- Insect Sting Allergies (Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, Fire Ant): Venom immunotherapy is highly effective in preventing future severe reactions.
- Latex Allergy: Symptoms can range from skin irritation to anaphylaxis upon contact or inhalation of latex particles.
- Alpha-Gal Allergy (Red Meat Allergy): A delayed allergic reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate found in mammalian meat (e.g., beef, pork, lamb).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Joanne Yeung is necessary.
- Drug Allergy Evaluation and Management (including Desensitization): Drug desensitization procedures for patients who require a medication to which they are allergic (performed in a hospital setting).
- Allergy Skin Testing (Prick/Puncture and Intradermal): Skin tests to identify specific allergens causing respiratory allergies (hay fever), food allergies, insect sting allergies, or drug allergies.
- Insect Sting (Venom) Allergy Diagnosis and Immunotherapy: Prescription of epinephrine auto-injectors.
- Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis: Involves applying patches with small amounts of suspected allergens to the skin for 48-72 hours.
- Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry) for Asthma: Helps assess airway obstruction and response to treatment.
- Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Food Allergies (Specialized Centres): A specialized treatment offered at select centres to desensitize individuals to specific food allergens by gradually ingesting increasing amounts of the allergen under medical supervision.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Yeung.
Allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and relevant international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Yeung practices at a modern allergy and immunology clinic located in the vibrant Fairview neighbourhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently situated near Downtown Vancouver's Financial District, easily accessible via TransLink services including SkyTrain’s Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as local bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). The facility is equipped for allergy testing and consultations, providing a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking allergy and immunology care. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patient convenience.
- What is involved in an evaluation for a possible immunodeficiency by Dr. Yeung?
- An evaluation for immunodeficiency by Dr. Yeung aims to determine if your immune system is functioning properly. It includes reviewing your history of infections, performing a physical exam, and ordering specific blood tests to measure immune cells and their activity. This helps to diagnose conditions like primary immunodeficiencies.
- Are services from Dr. Yeung covered by provincial health insurance?
- Most specialized medical care for allergies, asthma, and immune disorders provided by Dr. Yeung under Medical Services Plan (MSP) is covered. This typically includes appointments and medically indicated diagnostic tests. However, some specific treatments like allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops) or certain advanced biologics may have varying coverage criteria or require special authorization. Consultations with an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yeung, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens) and management of conditions like asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). However, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) and some newer biologic medications may have specific coverage criteria or require special authorization. It is recommended to confirm coverage details with Dr. Yeung's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- How does Dr. Yeung help manage food allergies?
- For food allergies, Dr. Yeung focuses on precise diagnosis, clear guidance on avoiding the trigger food(s), and ensuring you are prepared for accidental exposures with an emergency plan and epinephrine. Ongoing support and education for patients and families are key components of care.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Yeung?
- As an Allergist and Immunologist, Dr. Yeung manages numerous conditions related to the immune system. These frequently include environmental allergies, food sensitivities and allergies, medication reactions, chronic sinus problems, skin rashes like eczema, and disorders where the immune system is underactive or overactive. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders.
- When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yeung?
- You should consider seeing an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yeung if you experience persistent allergy symptoms (nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes), asthma that is difficult to control, recurrent infections, severe reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications, or have chronic skin conditions like eczema or hives. A referral from your family doctor is typically required.
- What types of allergy testing does Dr. Yeung perform?
- To diagnose allergies, Dr. Yeung can utilize various testing methods. These often include skin tests for common environmental and food allergens, blood tests to measure allergy antibodies, and sometimes patch tests for skin contact allergies. The specific tests chosen will depend on your medical history and symptoms.
- What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Yeung specialize in?
- Dr. Yeung is an Allergist and Immunologist, a physician expert in the body's immune system and its reactions. She manages a wide range of conditions from common allergies and asthma to complex immune deficiency diseases and related systemic disorders. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
340-943 Broadway W, Vancouver Kids Allergy
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E1
Office Phone: (604) 409-4355 | Office Fax: (604) 409-4346
Dr. Yeung is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Yeung, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).
Verify Dr. Yeung's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330879/Yeung%2CJoanne