Dr. Meagan Tasha Kennedy – Pathologist | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Meagan Kennedy is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at LHSC University Campus Site in Thunder Bay, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her role involves examining tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to identify pathological changes, providing critical diagnostic insights that guide patient management. The laboratory where Dr. Kennedy practices adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and consistent diagnostic services. The LHSC University Campus Site where she works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, supporting accurate and timely results, which are essential for effective clinical decision-making across a range of medical disciplines.

Dr. Kennedy graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. She has accumulated over 18 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 2006. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards. Her extensive training and experience have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of diagnostic pathology, enabling her to deliver precise and reliable diagnoses.

With a strong commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, Dr. Kennedy utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies in her work. She emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety is central to her practice. Dedicated to supporting patient care in Thunder Bay, she provides expert diagnostic reporting in English, contributing to the effective treatment and management of a wide spectrum of medical conditions.

Dr. Kennedy 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

The LHSC University Campus Site in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central neighborhood (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) serves as the primary location for Dr. Kennedy's diagnostic services. The laboratory is situated near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. The facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. It provides a state-of-the-art environment for diagnostic pathology, equipped with modern technology to support accurate tissue analysis. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians should contact the laboratory's main office or their designated representative for guidance.

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

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Kennedy are critical tools for treating physicians. They contain detailed descriptions of microscopic findings and a definitive diagnosis. This information allows other doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's illness, plan surgeries, choose medications, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatments. The accuracy of Dr. Kennedy's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

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

Will I meet Dr. Kennedy directly as a patient?

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

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

Dr. Kennedy is 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. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Kennedy examine?

Dr. Kennedy, 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.

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

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Kennedy 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. Kennedy undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

LHSC University Campus Site
980 Oliver Road, Department of Pathology
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4

Laboratory Phone: (807) 684-6584

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

Dr. Kennedy is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Kennedy 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. Kennedy's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kennedy-Meagan-Tasha/0180447-76534