Dr. Karen Louise Dallas – Pathologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Karen Dallas is a highly skilled Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist), specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Vancouver, BC, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Dallas is an expert in Hematological Pathology, diagnosing diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid system. This includes leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and various anemias, utilizing morphological analysis, flow cytometry, and molecular techniques. The laboratory where Dr. Dallas works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

She graduated with an MD CM from McGill University in 2006 and holds specialty certification as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist). Dr. Dallas also holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her expertise and commitment to excellence in diagnostic pathology.

Dr. Dallas’s professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety is central to her practice. Additionally, Dr. Dallas contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. She is dedicated to providing diagnostic excellence in Vancouver, communicating findings clearly in English, and in French when liaising with multilingual clinical teams.

Dr. Dallas 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

Dr. Dallas works within a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory located in Vancouver's Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood. This facility is conveniently accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The laboratory is situated in a modern, accessible complex that meets all accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center. The facility's environment is designed to support accurate and efficient diagnostic testing. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their office staff for coordination and directions.

How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Dallas used by other doctors?

The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Dallas 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. Dallas's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Dallas'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. Dallas and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Dallas's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Dallas?

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Dallas 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. Dallas undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Dallas examine?

Pathologists like Dr. Dallas examine a wide variety of biological samples. These include small tissue samples from biopsies (e.g., skin, colon, breast), larger surgical resections of organs or tumors, cytological preparations (like Pap smears or fluid samples from body cavities), blood smears, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, and, in some cases, entire bodies during an autopsy. Each type of specimen provides unique information for diagnosing different diseases. As a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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., Dr. Dallas is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

Will I meet Dr. Dallas directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Dallas play a critical role in patient care, they primarily work behind the scenes in the laboratory, analyzing patient samples and consulting with other physicians. It's generally uncommon for patients to meet their pathologist directly, unless the pathologist has a subspecialty that involves some direct patient procedures (e.g., some hematopathologists performing bone marrow biopsies, though this is often done by hematologists/oncologists). Your primary interaction will be with your treating physician who orders the tests and discusses Dr. Dallas's findings with you.

What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Dallas in healthcare?

Dr. Dallas is a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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., a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.

938 Beatty St
Vancouver, BC V6Z 3G6

Laboratory Phone: (604) 230-3182

The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.

Dr. Dallas is a licensed Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Dallas 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. Dallas's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/334340/Dallas%2CKaren