Dr. Magdalena Martinka – Pathologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Magdalena Martinka is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, 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. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring compliance with rigorous quality and safety protocols. Dr. Martinka's role involves the comprehensive microscopic and macroscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to identify and classify a wide spectrum of pathological conditions, including neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. The laboratory where she operates is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, supporting accurate, timely, and detailed reports that are integral to clinical decision-making across diverse medical disciplines.

Dr. Martinka received her medical degree from Akademia Medyczna W Lublinie in 1986. She holds specialty certification as an Anatomical Pathologist, awarded by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her advanced training and expertise in diagnostic pathology. Her professional credentials are complemented by ongoing participation in quality assurance programs and continuous medical education, ensuring that her diagnostic skills remain at the forefront of laboratory medicine.

With a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, Dr. Martinka utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies to deliver reliable results. She values effective collaboration and communication with her clinical colleagues to facilitate optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she contributes to medical knowledge through research and education initiatives where applicable. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports comprehensive patient care in Vancouver, providing detailed and expert reporting in English to assist in clinical decision-making.

Dr. Martinka 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.

Located in Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood, the diagnostic laboratory or hospital pathology department where Dr. Martinka practices is situated within a modern medical complex close to City Square Shopping Centre. The facility is easily accessible via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The laboratory meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, offering a state-of-the-art environment for diagnostic services. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison for arrangements.

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

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

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

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

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Martinka 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. Martinka 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. Martinka examine?

Dr. Martinka, 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. Martinka directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Martinka 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. Martinka's findings with you.

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

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Martinka, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Martinka, as a 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, plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.

855 12 Ave W
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Laboratory Phone: (541) 116-8227 | Laboratory Fax: (604) 875-5707

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

Dr. Martinka is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Martinka 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. Martinka's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313398/Martinka%2CMagdalena