Dr. Paul Cao-Dat Tran – Pulmonologist | Longueuil, QC

Dr. Paul Cao-Dat Tran is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at Hôpital Pierre-Boucher in Longueuil, QC, Dr. Tran is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Tran is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC. Dr. Tran 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. Paul Cao-Dat Tran earned a Medical Degree in 2011. Following this, Dr. Tran completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 14 years of specialized practice since 2011, Dr. Tran's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Tran 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. Tran'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. Tran offers consultations in French.

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

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Pneumonia: Management of community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and aspiration pneumonia.

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

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• COPD Management and Education: Multifaceted approach to managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, focusing on symptom relief, smoking cessation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Diagnosis and long-term management of bronchiectasis, focusing on airway clearance techniques, infection control, and symptom management.
• Asthma Management and Education: Helping patients achieve optimal asthma control, reduce exacerbations, and improve their quality of life.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Tran. 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. Paul Cao-Dat Tran 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 Pierre-Boucher, 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. Tran frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• If needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home is preventing you from fully enjoying traveling by car or plane with greater comfort or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Tran offers expert respiratory solutions. The primary aim is to achieve successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Are you struggling with feeling short of breath much of the time, even with little activity? Dr. Tran partners with patients to target improved lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as taking deep, satisfying breaths more often a much more achievable reality.
• Overcoming or effectively managing finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks is a common journey for patients under Dr. Tran's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling a clear diagnosis and a better understanding of their specific lung condition, so that daily routines and pleasures like concentrating better at work or school without distraction from respiratory symptoms become more manageable again.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses at Dr. Tran's practice is consistently achieving slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as managing their personal care and hygiene independently.

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

Dr. Tran's practice, Hôpital Pierre-Boucher, is situated in the Vieux-Longueuil (Longueuil West) neighborhood of Longueuil. The clinic is conveniently located near Parc Michel-Chartrand and is accessible via Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL). Please inquire about parking when you schedule your visit.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Tran 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. Tran 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. Tran help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Tran 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. Tran 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.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Tran 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. Tran 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. It's always best for patients to inquire with Hôpital Pierre-Boucher about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

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

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

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

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

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Tran at Hôpital Pierre-Boucher?

The first visit with Dr. Tran will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Tran 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. Tran 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 you to establish health goals.

Hôpital Pierre-Boucher
1333 boul Jacques-Cartier E
Longueuil, QC, J4M 2A5

Phone: (450) 468-8111

Dr. Paul Cao-Dat Tran 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: 11702

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=11702

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