Dr. Marc Simard – Pulmonologist | Longueuil, QC

Dr. Marc Simard is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at GMF Pierre-Boucher in Longueuil, QC, Dr. Simard is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Simard is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Simard focuses 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. Simard serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Marc Simard earned a Medical Degree in 1977. Following this, Dr. Simard completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 48 years of specialized practice since 1977, Dr. Simard's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Simard 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. Simard's medical practice philosophy include: a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being; a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle. Dr. Simard offers consultations in French.

As a Pneumologue (Respirologue), Dr. Marc Simard diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

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

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: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Specialized care for a complex form of interstitial lung disease leading to irreversible lung damage.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• 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. Simard, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Advocating for participation in structured exercise and education programs tailored for individuals with respiratory conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Simard. 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. Marc Simard adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At GMF Pierre-Boucher, 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. Simard frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Simard understands that dealing with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and needing specialized care can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways, helping patients comfortably get back to participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program and feeling their best.
• Dr. Simard often consults with patients whose wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe significantly limits their enjoyment of playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Simard about living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better is to attain effective relief from symptoms related to pleural effusions. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless.
• For patients where needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly is a primary concern, Dr. Simard focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully carrying light loads without feeling severely winded.

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

Dr. Simard practices at GMF Pierre-Boucher, located in the Vieux-Longueuil (Longueuil West) neighbourhood of Longueuil. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Place Charles-Le Moyne and is easily accessible via the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Simard at GMF Pierre-Boucher?

At your first appointment with Dr. Simard, expect a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how symptoms affect daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and past treatments. Dr. Simard will perform a thorough physical examination focusing on your respiratory system. Any prior imaging (Chest X-rays, CT scans) or test results (like PFTs) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Simard will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy), and outline treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

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

Yes, Dr. Simard expertly manages chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis). Following a thorough assessment, a personalized management plan is developed. This may involve prescribing inhaler medications, education on inhaler technique, action plans for flare-ups, advice on trigger avoidance, smoking cessation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation referral. The goal is optimal symptom control, reduced exacerbations, improved lung function, and enhanced quality of life.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Simard covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by Dr. Simard are covered by provincial health plans like RAMQ, given a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic tests like PFTs and bronchoscopies are also usually covered. However, some treatments, devices (e.g., CPAP machines, some inhalers), or medications may have co-payments or not be fully covered. Inquire with GMF Pierre-Boucher about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Simard do?

A Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Simard is a physician specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing lung and respiratory system diseases and conditions. This includes asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, interstitial lung diseases, and pleural diseases. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath and cough, and enhance quality of life. They use tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and CPAP machine management.

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

In QC, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally needed to see a Respirologist like Dr. Simard for consultations and treatments covered by RAMQ. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. Simard has necessary medical information. Speak with your primary care physician if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

How is a Respirologist different from a Thoracic Surgeon or an Allergist?

While all three may address breathing issues, their approaches differ. Thoracic Surgeons perform chest surgeries, including lung surgeries. Allergists diagnose and treat allergic conditions, including allergic asthma. Respirologists like Dr. Simard focus on the non-surgical diagnosis and medical management of a wide range of lung and respiratory diseases using medications, inhaler therapies, diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy, and management of conditions like COPD and sleep apnea. They often coordinate long-term care for chronic respiratory illnesses.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Simard recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are non-invasive breathing tests measuring lung function. They assess lung volume, airflow rates, and gas exchange. Dr. Simard might recommend PFTs to diagnose conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or to assess disease severity, monitor progression, or evaluate treatment effectiveness. Common PFTs include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusing capacity tests.

GMF Pierre-Boucher
1615 boul Jacques-Cartier
Longueuil, QC, J4M 2X1

Phone: (450) 468-6223

Dr. Marc Simard is a licensed Pneumologue (Respirologue) in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 77446

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=77446

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