Dr. Julia Serra Pritchard – Pulmonologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Julia Serra Pritchard is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Pritchard is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Pritchard 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.

Dr. Pritchard's primary role is as a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), focusing 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. Pritchard serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Julia Serra Pritchard earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2012. Following this, Dr. Pritchard completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 13 years of specialized practice since 2012, Dr. Pritchard's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Pritchard 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. Pritchard's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being. Dr. Pritchard provides consultations in English.

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

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• 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. Pritchard, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Analyzing radiological images to detect signs of infection, inflammation, tumors, or structural lung changes.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Pritchard. 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. Julia Serra Pritchard 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. Julia Serra Pritchard'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. Pritchard frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Pritchard often consults with patients whose a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away significantly limits their enjoyment of performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Are you struggling with feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life? Dr. Pritchard partners with patients to target clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness a much more achievable reality.
• When needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath, Dr. Pritchard and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition and a return to comfort and confidence in their breathing.
• Overcoming or effectively managing wanting to understand their lung function test results is a common journey for patients under Dr. Pritchard's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, so that daily routines and pleasures like their child being able to keep up with peers during play and sports become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Pritchard's respiratory clinic in Kelowna is situated in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near South Pandosy Village and is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

In British Columbia, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Pritchard for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Pritchard has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need a respiratory assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Pritchard will involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, your smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Pritchard will perform a thorough physical examination, focusing on the respiratory system. Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Pritchard will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy), and will outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

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

Respirologists like Dr. Pritchard treat a wide spectrum of disorders affecting breathing and lung health. 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 they are often involved in the diagnosis of lung cancer.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Pritchard are experts in the long-term management of chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD. After a thorough assessment, Dr. Pritchard develops a personalized management plan. This may include prescribing inhaler medications, educating patients on inhaler technique, developing action plans for flare-ups, advising on trigger avoidance, recommending smoking cessation programs, and coordinating pulmonary rehabilitation. The goal is to optimize symptom control, reduce exacerbations, improve lung function, and enhance quality of life.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Pritchard recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Pritchard 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 treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

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

A Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Pritchard is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing lung and respiratory system diseases. This includes conditions like asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. Their goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance quality of life. They use 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. Pritchard 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. Pritchard are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any.

204 1835 Gordon Dr.
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H5

Phone: (778) 477-5805

Dr. Julia Serra Pritchard 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: 62846

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333740/Pritchard%2CJulia

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