About
Dr. Maggie Min-Sze Yuen is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at a specialized cancer centre within a hospital department in New Westminster, BC, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive hematologic care. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her practice maintains the utmost quality and safety. Dr. Yuen addresses a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions to support her patients' health and well-being.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2000 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Hematology (Blood Disorders). She holds certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in her field. Her training and credentials enable her to deliver advanced, evidence-based care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Dr. Yuen’s clinical philosophy centers on multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate patient and family support. She is dedicated to providing personalized care in New Westminster, ensuring that her patients receive holistic and effective management of their blood disorders. Fluent in English, she communicates clearly and empathetically, fostering a trusting environment for her patients and their families.
Dr. Maggie Yuen has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A group of diverse bone marrow disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy, mature blood cells.
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis): A group of chronic blood cancers where the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed
- Thrombophilia & Acquired Clotting Disorders (e.g., DVT/PE management, Antiphospholipid Syndrome): Conditions that increase the tendency to form blood clots, requiring anticoagulation therapy and management.
- Von Willebrand Disease & Other Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Genetic conditions that impair the blood's ability to clot effectively, causing prolonged or excessive bleeding.
- Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells.
This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Maggie Yuen or your referring physician.
- Comprehensive Oncologic & Hematologic Consultation: In-depth evaluation of medical history, review of diagnostic imaging and pathology, cancer staging (if applicable), and development of personalized treatment plans for various cancers and blood disorders.
- Therapeutic Apheresis Consultation (e.g., for TTP, plasma exchange indications): Consultation and coordination for procedures that separate components of blood for therapeutic purposes.
- Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Leukemias (AML, ALL, CLL, CML, Hairy Cell): Comprehensive care for various types of leukemia, including diagnostic workup (bone marrow interpretation, cytogenetics, molecular testing), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and coordination for stem cell transplant where indicated.
- Management of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Diagnosis and treatment of bone marrow failure disorders, including supportive care, growth factors, and disease-modifying therapies.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy (Performance or Interpretation): Performing or interpreting samples from bone marrow aspirations and biopsies to diagnose blood disorders and cancers.
- Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management of Anemias: Investigating and treating various types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, hemolytic anemias (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.
- Genetic Counseling & Testing Referrals for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Assessment of family history and risk factors, and coordination of referrals for genetic counseling and testing for inherited predispositions to cancer (e.g., BRCA).
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Yuen provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Yuen or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.
All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Yuen practices at a specialized cancer centre located in the Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, BC. The facility is situated within the vibrant Uptown Business District and is conveniently accessible from the Royal City Centre Mall. Patients can reach the centre easily via public transit, with nearby TransLink services including the SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes. The centre is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Yuen, an Hematologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Hematologist such as Dr. Yuen are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Medical Services Plan (MSP), Dr. Yuen's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Yuen, an Hematologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Hematologist like Dr. Yuen for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.
- How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Yuen?
- Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Yuen, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Yuen works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.
- What is immunotherapy and how does it work for cancer?
- Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer. It works by boosting or changing how the immune system works so it can find and attack cancer cells more effectively. There are different types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines. Dr. Yuen may recommend immunotherapy if it's an appropriate option for your type of cancer and will explain how it works and what to expect.
- How does cancer or blood disorder treatment differ for children compared to adults?
- Treatment for children with cancer or blood disorders is highly specialized and managed by Pediatric Hematologists/Oncologists. They use protocols tailored to children, considering long-term effects on growth and development. Children’s bodies react differently to treatments, and the types of cancers and blood disorders are often distinct from adult conditions. Care is family-centered, involving parents and caregivers closely in decision-making and support.
330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7
Phone: (604) 777-8358 | Fax: (604) 520-4778
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Yuen is a licensed Hematologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/325143/Yuen%2CMaggie