Dr. Rachel Jen – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Rachel Jen is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Jen is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Jen is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in BC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Jen focuses 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. Jen serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Rachel Jen earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2009. Following this, Dr. Jen completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 16 years of specialized practice since 2009, Dr. Jen's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Jen 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. Jen's medical practice philosophy include: collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care; a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle; a holistic view of respiratory health, considering all factors that impact breathing and well-being. Dr. Jen is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Mandarin.

As a Respirologist, Dr. Rachel Jen diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• 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).

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.
• Bronchiectasis: Care for individuals with persistent cough, copious sputum, and frequent respiratory infections due to bronchiectasis.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Evaluating and managing a wide range of less common ILDs, including those associated with connective tissue diseases, drug-induced ILD, and unclassifiable ILDs.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Utilizing antifibrotic medications, oxygen therapy, and supportive care to manage IPF symptoms and slow progression.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

Pleural Diseases

• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

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

• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• COPD Management and Education: Developing strategies to slow disease progression, manage flare-ups, and enhance daily functioning for COPD patients.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Evaluation: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Bronchiectasis Management: Care for individuals with permanently damaged and widened airways to reduce exacerbations and maintain lung function.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Jen. 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. Rachel Jen adhere to the scope of practice for Respirologists in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Rachel Jen's practice, 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. Jen frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Jen expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of wanting to understand their lung function test results. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey, means they can happily and comfortably get back to managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.
• If living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better has unfortunately put returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Jen works closely with patients towards attaining achieving better control of their asthma or COPD symptoms, with fewer flare-ups, effectively helping them regain their previous level of respiratory function and confidence.
• Are you struggling with needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly? Dr. Jen partners with patients to target slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing a much more achievable reality.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Jen with concerns about needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care, making a positive and lasting return to managing their personal care and hygiene independently not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

Dr. Jen's respiratory clinic in Vancouver is situated in the Fairview neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near a Cultural Hub and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Jen 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. Jen 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.

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

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

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Jen covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations and medically necessary assessments by a registered specialist Respirologist like Dr. Jen are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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 the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Jen at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Jen 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. Jen 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. Jen 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.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Jen 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. Jen 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.

Vancouver General Hospital, FL 7th, 2775 Laurel St, Division of Respirology
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-4122

Dr. Rachel Jen is a licensed Respirologist in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 66374

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331185/Jen%2CRachel

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