Dr. Mathilde Bouchard-Boivin – Pulmonologist | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC

Dr. Mathilde Bouchard-Boivin is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Hôpital du Haut Richelieu, Pneumologie in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, Dr. Bouchard-Boivin is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Bouchard-Boivin is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC.

Dr. Bouchard-Boivin 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. Mathilde Bouchard-Boivin earned a Medical Degree in 2020. Following this, Dr. Bouchard-Boivin completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 5 years of specialized practice since 2020, Dr. Bouchard-Boivin's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Bouchard-Boivin 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. Bouchard-Boivin's medical practice philosophy include: a commitment to evidence-based medicine and utilizing the latest advancements in respiratory care; 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. Dr. Bouchard-Boivin offers consultations in French.

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

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.
• Emphysema: Managing this lung condition where the air sacs (alveoli) are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

Lung Infections

• Pneumonia: Diagnosing and treating infections that inflame the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal).
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• 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.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

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

• COPD Management and Education: Developing strategies to slow disease progression, manage flare-ups, and enhance daily functioning for COPD patients.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• 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.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

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

At Hôpital du Haut Richelieu, Pneumologie, 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. Bouchard-Boivin frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment is a common journey for patients under Dr. Bouchard-Boivin's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea, so that daily routines and pleasures like going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing become more manageable again.
• Patients experiencing a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis and needing specialized care often express a desire to improve their respiratory health and function. At Dr. Bouchard-Boivin's practice, a key objective is improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms.
• Effectively addressing living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better with Dr. Bouchard-Boivin's comprehensive respiratory approach often leads to the desired outcome of being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness and social interactions.
• The journey from finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks to wellness often involves Dr. Bouchard-Boivin's dedicated care. The milestone is breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities, which opens the door back to activities such as returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.

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

Dr. Bouchard-Boivin's practice, Hôpital du Haut Richelieu, Pneumologie, is situated in the Saint-Jean Sector North neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. The clinic is conveniently located near Cathédrale Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste and is accessible via Transport Urbain / Taxibus du Haut-Richelieu. Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

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

While all three may deal with conditions affecting breathing, their approaches differ. Thoracic Surgeons are surgical specialists who perform operations on organs in the chest, including the lungs (e.g., lung cancer surgery, lung biopsies). Allergists (Allergist & Clinical Immunologists) are medical specialists who diagnose and treat allergic conditions, which can include allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, often using immunotherapy and medication. Respirologists like Dr. Bouchard-Boivin are medical specialists focused on the non-surgical diagnosis and medical management of a broad 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. Bouchard-Boivin 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. Bouchard-Boivin 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.

Can Dr. Bouchard-Boivin help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Bouchard-Boivin 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. Bouchard-Boivin 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.

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

Yes, in QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Bouchard-Boivin for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Bouchard-Boivin 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Bouchard-Boivin at Hôpital du Haut Richelieu, Pneumologie?

The first visit with Dr. Bouchard-Boivin 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. Bouchard-Boivin 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. Bouchard-Boivin 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 the patient to establish health goals.

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Bouchard-Boivin do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Bouchard-Boivin 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.

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

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Bouchard-Boivin are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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. Patients should inquire with Hôpital du Haut Richelieu, Pneumologie about any potential out-of-pocket costs and check with their private insurance, if any.

Hôpital du Haut Richelieu, Pneumologie
920 Boul du Séminaire
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3A 1B7

Phone: (514) 359-5000

Dr. Mathilde Bouchard-Boivin 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: 20613

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=20613

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