About
Dr. Karen MacNeill is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at Children's Hospital of Western Ont in Barrie, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The hospital's laboratory is situated in the vibrant Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood, near the Barrie Community Sports Complex. Accessible via Barrie Transit and other public transportation options, the facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. It provides a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment designed to deliver accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across multiple medical disciplines.
Dr. MacNeill graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada. With over 19 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 2005, she has developed a deep expertise in diagnostic pathology. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to national standards of practice and ongoing professional development.
Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision. Dr. MacNeill utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and technologies to achieve reliable results. She emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Barrie. She provides diagnostic expertise and reporting in English.
Dr. MacNeill 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.
Children's Hospital of Western Ont is located in Barrie's Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood, near the Barrie Community Sports Complex. The hospital's pathology laboratory is situated within the hospital complex, offering a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment. The facility is accessible via Barrie Transit and meets all accessibility standards, facilitating specimen drop-off and inquiries through the referring physician's office or the laboratory's main contact. As a core diagnostic service within the hospital, it provides essential pathology services to support clinical care across various specialties.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. MacNeill used by other doctors?
- The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. MacNeill 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. MacNeill's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. MacNeill's lab?
- The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. MacNeill, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. MacNeill examine?
- Dr. MacNeill, in her role as an Anatomical Pathologist 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, analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. She also interprets blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.
- Will I meet Dr. MacNeill directly as a patient?
- While Pathologists like Dr. MacNeill 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. MacNeill's findings with you.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. MacNeill?
- Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. MacNeill and her 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. MacNeill undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. MacNeill in healthcare?
- Dr. MacNeill is an Anatomical Pathologist 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.
Children's Hospital of Western Ont
201 Georgian Drive
Barrie, ON L4M 6M2
Laboratory Phone: (705) 728-9090 | Laboratory Fax: (705) 739-5685
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. MacNeill is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. MacNeill 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. MacNeill's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/MacNeill-Karen-Nicole/0172700-74841