Dr. Laura Elizabeth McLean – Pulmonologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Laura Elizabeth McLean is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Victoria, BC, Dr. McLean is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. McLean 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. McLean 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. Laura Elizabeth McLean earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1993. Following this, Dr. McLean completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 32 years of specialized practice since 1993, Dr. McLean's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. McLean 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. McLean's medical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management. Dr. McLean provides consultations in English.

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

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.

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): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. McLean, 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: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Ensuring patients can effectively self-administer their prescribed respiratory medications for optimal therapeutic benefit.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.

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

• Patients frequently come to Dr. McLean with concerns about needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, making a positive and lasting return to participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Dr. McLean 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 attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Dr. McLean understands that dealing with feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, helping patients comfortably get back to feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath and feeling their best.
• At Dr. McLean's clinic, addressing coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to climbing a small hill or incline with improved endurance.

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

Dr. McLean's practice, a respiratory clinic in Victoria, is situated in a well-regarded medical clinic specializing in respiratory health in the Victoria neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Core and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

The first visit with Dr. McLean 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. McLean 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. McLean will discuss her 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.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. McLean 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. McLean 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. McLean 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. McLean 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. McLean do?

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

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. McLean 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. McLean 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.

29 Helmcken Rd Ste 140
Victoria, BC, V8Z 5G5

Phone: (250) 590-8344

Dr. Laura Elizabeth McLean 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: 25710

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324039/McLean%2CLaura

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