Dr. Ronald Olivenstein – Pulmonologist | Montréal, QC

Dr. Ronald Olivenstein is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at CUSM Glen Campus, Pneumologie in Montréal, QC, Dr. Olivenstein is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Olivenstein is licensed by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in QC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Ronald Olivenstein earned a Medical Degree in 1989. Following this, Dr. Olivenstein completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 36 years of specialized practice since 1989, Dr. Olivenstein's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein's medical practice philosophy include: promoting optimal lung function and helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life; a patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyle. Dr. Olivenstein offers consultations in French.

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

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).

Airway Diseases

• Asthma: Developing personalized asthma action plans to control symptoms and prevent exacerbations.
• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Treating respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain related to pulmonary sarcoidosis.
• 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.

Lung Infections

• 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.
• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.

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

• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Managing long-term oxygen therapy to improve exercise tolerance, reduce breathlessness, and enhance overall well-being.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of the lungs' airways for diagnostic purposes.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Olivenstein. 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. Ronald Olivenstein adhere to the scope of practice for Pneumologue (Respirologue)s in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CUSM Glen Campus, 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. Olivenstein frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Overcoming or effectively managing feeling anxious about their breathing problems and how it affects their life is a common journey for patients under Dr. Olivenstein's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, so that daily routines and pleasures like climbing a small hill or incline with improved endurance become more manageable again.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed coughing up blood or blood-streaked mucus with Dr. Olivenstein's dedicated support and clinical expertise. This often leads directly to slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy going on outings with family and friends without constant worry about their breathing once more.
• When patients discuss pain in their chest, especially when they take a deep breath or cough, Dr. Olivenstein outlines a path to successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, aiming to restore not just respiratory health but also the ability to comfortably managing a full day of activities without needing excessive rest due to breathlessness.
• When a family history of lung disease and wanting to understand their risk starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to laughing heartily without triggering a coughing fit or severe breathlessness, Dr. Olivenstein and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by an effective and personalized management plan for their chronic respiratory illness and a return to comfort and confidence in their breathing.

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

Dr. Olivenstein's practice, CUSM Glen Campus, Pneumologie, is situated in a central location within the Montréal neighborhood of Montréal. 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.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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.

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

In QC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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 to inquire with CUSM Glen Campus, Pneumologie about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Olivenstein at CUSM Glen Campus, Pneumologie?

The first visit with Dr. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Olivenstein 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. Olivenstein 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 does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Olivenstein do?

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

CUSM Glen Campus, Pneumologie
1001 boul Décarie
Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1

Phone: (514) 934-1934

Dr. Ronald Olivenstein 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: 89097

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=89097

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