Dr. Nancy Ferland – Pulmonologist | Rimouski, QC

Dr. Nancy Ferland is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent - Hôpital de Rimouski, Pneumologie in Rimouski, QC, Dr. Ferland is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Ferland is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC.

Dr. Ferland's primary role is 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. Ferland serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Nancy Ferland earned a Medical Degree in 2014. Following this, Dr. Ferland completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 11 years of specialized practice since 2014, Dr. Ferland's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Ferland 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. Ferland'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. Ferland offers consultations in French.

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

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Treating progressive lung diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• 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).
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.

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

• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: In-depth consultation to diagnose lung conditions, assess breathing difficulties, and formulate a personalized management plan.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• 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. Ferland. 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. Nancy Ferland adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent - Hôpital de Rimouski, 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. Ferland frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• If fluid buildup around their lungs making it hard to breathe is preventing you from fully enjoying walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Ferland offers expert respiratory solutions. The primary aim is to achieve reduced anxiety related to their breathing difficulties through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Dr. Ferland's comprehensive care for concerns about a shadow or spot found on their lung X-ray or CT scan is meticulously designed to result in quitting smoking and improving their overall lung health outlook. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as participating in gentle exercises or a pulmonary rehabilitation program without severe breathing worries.
• At Dr. Ferland's clinic, addressing snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day means focusing on patient goals. Achieving clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Ferland with concerns about unexplained weight loss combined with a persistent cough. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve being able to travel or engage in hobbies that were previously limited by breathlessness, making a positive and lasting return to feeling less anxious about sudden shortness of breath not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Ferland's practice, CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent - Hôpital de Rimouski, Pneumologie, is situated in a central location within the Rimouski neighborhood of Rimouski. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Ferland 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.

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. Ferland 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. Ferland 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. Ferland 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.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ferland at CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent - Hôpital de Rimouski, Pneumologie?

The first visit with Dr. Ferland 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. Ferland 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. Ferland 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.

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

Yes, in QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Ferland 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. Ferland has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Ferland 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. Ferland 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. Inquire with CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent - Hôpital de Rimouski, Pneumologie about any potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Ferland 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. Ferland 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.

CISSS du Bas-Saint-Laurent - Hôpital de Rimouski, Pneumologie
150 Av Rouleau
Rimouski, QC, G5L 5T1

Phone: (418) 724-3000

Dr. Nancy Ferland 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: 14051

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14051

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