Dr. Randy Chung – Pulmonologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Randy Chung is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in New Westminster, BC, Dr. Chung is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Chung 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. Chung 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. Chung serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Randy Chung earned a Medical Degree (e.g., MD, MBBS, or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2004. Following this, Dr. Chung completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 21 years of specialized practice since 2004, Dr. Chung's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Chung 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. Chung's medical practice philosophy include: promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life; 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. Chung provides consultations in English.

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

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

Lung Infections

• 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): Respiratory assessment and follow-up for patients undergoing treatment for tuberculosis.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Bronchiectasis: Focusing on airway clearance techniques, antibiotic therapy for exacerbations, and preventing further lung damage.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Helping patients manage symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea associated with COPD.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Chung, 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: Thorough assessment of respiratory health, including detailed medical history, physical examination, and review of previous tests and imaging.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Collaborating with radiologists to integrate imaging findings into the overall diagnostic picture for respiratory conditions.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Ensuring appropriate use and settings for home oxygen therapy.
• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chung. 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. Randy Chung 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. Randy Chung'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. Chung frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Chung understands that dealing with living with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) and wanting to breathe better can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving being able to be more physically active without severe breathlessness, helping patients comfortably get back to performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty and feeling their best.
• Patients presenting with wanting to understand their lung function test results can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness under Dr. Chung's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Dr. Chung often consults with patients whose finding it harder and harder to breathe during exercise or daily tasks significantly limits their enjoyment of sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve feeling supported and well-informed throughout their treatment journey and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• Many people seek Dr. Chung's professional help and expertise when dealing with trouble catching their breath after a recent illness like COVID-19. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling more confident in managing their respiratory condition day-to-day, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to taking deep, satisfying breaths more often.

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

Dr. Chung's respiratory clinic in New Westminster is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighbourhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Douglas College New Westminster Campus and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Chung 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. Chung 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 can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Chung at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Chung 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. Chung 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. Chung will discuss his 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Chung do?

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Chung 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. His 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. He uses various diagnostic tools like pulmonary function tests and bronchoscopy, and treatments including medications, inhalers, oxygen therapy, and management of devices like CPAP machines.

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

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Chung for consultations and treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Chung has the necessary background medical information. It is advised that patients speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need a respiratory assessment.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Chung 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. Chung 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.

103-250 Keary St, Respiratory Medicine
New Westminster, BC, V3L 5E7

Phone: (604) 525-8822

Dr. Randy Chung 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: 63767

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328691/Chung%2CRandy

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