Dr. Nicholas Ean Sunderland – Pathologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Nicholas Sunderland is a highly skilled General Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Kelowna, BC, he collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. He plays a crucial role in patient care by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids to identify abnormalities, determine the nature and extent of diseases such as cancer, infections, and inflammatory conditions. The diagnostic insights provided by Dr. Sunderland are essential for guiding clinical management and treatment strategies by other physicians. The laboratory where Dr. Sunderland works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 2010. He holds specialty certification as a General Pathologist and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His medical training and board certification underpin his expertise in diagnostic pathology, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of laboratory practice and patient safety.

Dr. Sunderland is committed to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. He emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance, he contributes to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education. His dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Kelowna, providing reliable and comprehensive pathology reporting in English.

Dr. Sunderland 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.

Located in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood, the diagnostic laboratory or hospital pathology department where Dr. Sunderland works is situated in a vibrant area close to Orchard Park Shopping Centre. The facility is accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient access for staff and couriers. The laboratory meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, providing a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians or their staff are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison. This core diagnostic service supports a broad range of clinical investigations and patient care initiatives within the healthcare institution.

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

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

Will I meet Dr. Sunderland directly as a patient?

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

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

Dr. Sunderland is a General 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., 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.

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

Dr. Sunderland, in their role as a General 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. They also interpret 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 are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Sunderland used by other doctors?

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

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Sunderland's lab?

The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. Sunderland, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.

Walter-Anderson Building, 2268 Pandosy St, Kelowna General Hospital - Department of Pathology
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2

Laboratory Phone: (250) 980-6670

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

Dr. Sunderland is a licensed General Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Sunderland 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. Sunderland's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335205/Sunderland%2CNicholas