Dr. Ken Sun – Pulmonologist | Maple Ridge, BC

Dr. Ken Sun is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Maple Ridge, BC, Dr. Sun is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Sun 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. Sun serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions 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. Ken Sun earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of Manitoba, graduating in 2016. Following this, Dr. Sun completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 9 years of specialized practice since 2016, Dr. Sun's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Sun 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. Sun's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being. Dr. Sun provides consultations in English.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Ken Sun 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: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• 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.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

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

• Asthma Management and Education: Ongoing management and support for individuals living with asthma of all severities.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Expert interpretation of a full range of pulmonary function tests (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, bronchoprovocation) to assess lung health and diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD.

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

• Understanding the frustration wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe can cause, Dr. Sun tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day, allowing for renewed participation in activities like concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment with Dr. Sun's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to achieving better control of their asthma or COPD symptoms, with fewer flare-ups and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease once more.
• Patients experiencing snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day often express a desire to improve their respiratory health and function. At Dr. Sun's practice, a key objective is reduced anxiety related to their breathing difficulties, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.
• When a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Sun helps patients strive for an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness. This makes participating in activities such as traveling by car or plane with greater comfort a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

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

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Sun 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. Sun 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.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Sun 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. Sun 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Sun at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Sun 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. Sun 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. Sun 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.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Sun 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. Sun 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. Sun do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Sun 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.

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

Phone: (604) 466-8199

Dr. Ken Sun 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: 36915

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/374596/Sun%2CKen

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