Dr. Michelle Patricia Wong – Pathologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Michelle Wong is a highly skilled Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist), specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in New Westminster, BC, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The laboratory where Dr. Wong practices is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical fields. She adheres to the standards and regulations established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining the highest standards of diagnostic excellence.

She holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia, graduating in 2003, and is certified as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist). Her certifications include recognition by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her specialization and expertise in diagnostic pathology. Dr. Wong is committed to ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in laboratory medicine and hematopathology.

Her professional philosophy centers on diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and technologies. Dr. Wong values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. She upholds rigorous standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, contributing to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Dedicated to providing diagnostic expertise and comprehensive reporting in English, she supports patient care with thorough and reliable pathology services in New Westminster.

Dr. Wong 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.

Dr. Wong works in a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory located in the Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster, BC, in close proximity to the River Market. The facility is accessible via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The laboratory is situated within a larger hospital or medical center complex, meeting accessibility standards to facilitate specimen drop-off and patient inquiries. This core diagnostic service supports a wide range of medical investigations and collaborates closely with clinical teams across the healthcare system. For specimen submission or specific questions, referring physicians should contact the laboratory's main office or their designated representative.

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

Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Wong works, operate under strict quality management systems. This involves numerous checks and balances, from specimen receipt to final report generation. Diagnoses are often based on established criteria, and for challenging cases, pathologists frequently consult with peers or seek second opinions. Continuous education and adherence to best practices are essential for ensuring the high level of accuracy expected in pathology reports provided by Dr. Wong.

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

Dr. Wong, in her role as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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. Wong directly as a patient?

Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Wong. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Wong then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.

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

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

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

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

Dr. Wong is a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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, a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. 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.

330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital, Dept of Laboratory Medicine, Hematopathology
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Laboratory Phone: (604) 520-4318 | Laboratory Fax: (604) 520-4769

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

Dr. Wong is a licensed Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Wong 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. Wong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327278/Wong%2CMichelle