Dr. John Joonsun Koo – Pulmonologist | Maple Ridge, BC

Dr. John Joonsun Koo is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Maple Ridge, BC, Dr. Koo is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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. Koo serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. John Joonsun Koo earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2017. Following this, Dr. Koo completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 8 years of specialized practice since 2017, Dr. Koo's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Koo 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. Koo's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Koo is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Korean.

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

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• 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.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.

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

• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Care for acute bronchitis and other infectious conditions affecting the lower respiratory tract.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Koo. 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. John Joonsun Koo 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. John Joonsun Koo'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. Koo frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Managing worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Koo and the medical team. The clear aim is always breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• A key objective when treating their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses at Dr. Koo's welcoming clinic is achieving slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like traveling by car or plane with greater comfort.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Koo about trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19 is to attain quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood.
• Dr. Koo's comprehensive care for concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan is meticulously designed to result in feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as gardening or engaging in other light outdoor activities they enjoy without severe breathing worries.

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

Dr. Koo's respiratory clinic in Maple Ridge is situated in the Central Maple Ridge, Haney neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Haney Place Mall and is easily accessible via TransLink (Bus, West Coast Express). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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 are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Koo 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. Their 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. They use various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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 for patients to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Koo at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Koo 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. Koo 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. Koo will discuss their 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.

308-22230 North Ave, The Chest Clinic
Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 2L5

Phone: (604) 466-8199

Dr. John Joonsun Koo 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: J2622

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343633/Koo%2CJohn

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