Dr. Leigh Spencer Minuk – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Leigh Spencer Minuk is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Minuk is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Minuk 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. Minuk 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. Leigh Spencer Minuk earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of Manitoba, graduating in 2017. Following this, Dr. Minuk completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 8 years of specialized practice since 2017, Dr. Minuk's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Minuk 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. Minuk's medical practice philosophy include: a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being; promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life; a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care. Dr. Minuk provides consultations in English.

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

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): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Airway Diseases

• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.
• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.

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

• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Ensuring patients can effectively self-administer their prescribed respiratory medications for optimal therapeutic benefit.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.

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

• Patients experiencing feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life often express a desire to improve their respiratory health and function. At Dr. Minuk's practice, a key objective is feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in carrying light loads without feeling severely winded.
• Dr. Minuk understands that dealing with unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition, helping patients comfortably get back to managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness and feeling their best.
• A key objective when treating needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health at Dr. Minuk's welcoming clinic is achieving learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• If getting frequent lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Minuk develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling more energetic and less fatigued during the day.

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

Dr. Minuk's practice, a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Harbour Centre and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Minuk 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. Minuk 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. Minuk help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Minuk 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. Minuk 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Minuk do?

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

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Minuk for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Minuk has the necessary background medical information. Patients should speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need a respiratory assessment.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Minuk 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. Minuk 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 should I bring to my appointment with Dr. Minuk?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency for prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, inhalers, and supplements), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports (Chest X-ray, CT scans – reports are often more useful than just the images themselves initially), any previous Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) results, and a list of any questions you have. If you use inhalers, it's helpful to bring them to check technique. If being assessed for sleep apnea, a sleep diary or information from a bed partner can be useful.

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

The first visit with Dr. Minuk will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Minuk 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. Minuk 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 you to establish health goals.

2775 Laurel St, Centre for Lung Health
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4122

Dr. Leigh Spencer Minuk 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: J3156

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/368755/Minuk%2CLeigh

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