Dr. Sabrina Demers – Oncologist / Hematologist | Laval, QC

Dr. Sabrina Demers is a Hematologist focused on diagnosing and managing a spectrum of blood disorders, from anemias and clotting issues to blood cancers. Practicing at Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé in Laval, QC, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that every patient receives safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. She addresses a wide array of benign and malignant hematologic disorders, offering both diagnostic expertise and therapeutic interventions, with a focus on improving quality of life and outcomes for her patients.

Dr. Demers graduated with a Medical Degree in 2014 and has been practicing as a Hematologist for over 10 years. She completed extensive postgraduate medical training and certification in Hematology, specializing in blood disorders and cancer care. Her advanced training equips her with the latest knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based medicine, and patient-centered care. Dr. Demers is dedicated to supporting her patients and their families through clear communication, compassionate service, and ongoing research efforts to advance hematology practices. She is fluent in French and strives to ensure that every patient feels informed, respected, and hopeful about their health journey.

Dr. Sabrina Demers has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed

• Von Willebrand Disease & Other Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Genetic conditions that impair the blood's ability to clot effectively, causing prolonged or excessive bleeding.
• Aplastic Anemia & Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Rare but serious conditions where the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new blood cells.
• Iron Deficiency Anemia: A common type of anemia caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced red blood cell production and oxygen-carrying capacity.

Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated

• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) / Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL): A type of cancer that starts from white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the bone marrow, typically slow-growing.
• Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by an overproduction of a protein called macroglobulin.
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A type of cancer that starts in certain blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, often managed with targeted therapies.

This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Sabrina Demers or your referring physician.

• Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management of Anemias: Investigating and treating various types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, hemolytic anemias (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.
• Management of Bleeding Disorders (Hemophilia, Von Willebrand Disease, Platelet Function Disorders): Care for inherited and acquired conditions that affect the body's ability to form blood clots properly, including factor replacement therapies.
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Lymphomas (Hodgkin & Various Non-Hodgkin Subtypes): Tailored treatment strategies for cancers of the lymphatic system, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted agents, and radiotherapy coordination.
• Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) & Other Platelet Disorders Management: Investigating and managing low platelet counts due to immune or other causes.
• Iron Overload Disorders (e.g., Hereditary Hemochromatosis) Management: Monitoring and treatment, including therapeutic phlebotomy, for conditions of excess iron storage.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy (Performance or Interpretation): Performing or interpreting samples from bone marrow aspirations and biopsies to diagnose blood disorders and cancers.
• Therapeutic Apheresis Consultation (e.g., for TTP, plasma exchange indications): Consultation and coordination for procedures that separate components of blood for therapeutic purposes.

Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Hematology (Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Demers provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Demers or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.

All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.

Dr. Demers practices at the Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé, located in the Chomedey North neighborhood of Laval. The hospital is conveniently situated near prominent landmarks such as Carrefour Laval (Mall) and Centropolis (Entertainment/Dining). Easily accessible by public transit, the facility is served by the Société de transport de Laval (STL). The hospital is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Parking is available nearby, with metered street parking options for visitors. This setting provides a welcoming environment for patients seeking expert blood disorder diagnosis and treatment in Laval.

Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Demers, an Hematologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?

Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Hematologist such as Dr. Demers are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), Dr. Demers's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Demers, an Hematologist?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Hematologist like Dr. Demers for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.

What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells with less harm to normal cells. These therapies work by targeting specific genes or proteins found in cancer cells or cells related to cancer growth, like blood vessel cells. Genetic testing of the tumor is often done to see if a targeted therapy is likely to be effective. Dr. Demers can explain if targeted therapy is an option for your cancer.

What is Radiation Oncology and when is it used?

Radiation Oncology is a medical specialty that uses high-energy radiation (like X-rays, gamma rays, or charged particles) to damage or destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be used as a primary treatment, before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in combination with chemotherapy. It can also be used for palliative care to relieve symptoms. Dr. Demers may refer patients to a Radiation Oncologist if this treatment is indicated for their type of cancer as part of a multidisciplinary care plan.

Does a Hematologist only treat blood cancers?

No, Hematologists treat a wide range of blood disorders, not just cancers. This includes benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as various types of anemia (e.g., iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia), bleeding disorders (like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease), clotting disorders (thrombophilia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism), and issues with white blood cells (like neutropenia) or platelets (like ITP). Dr. Demers, if focused on hematology, can diagnose and manage these conditions.

How will treatment decisions be made for my condition by Dr. Demers?

Treatment decisions in oncology and hematology are highly personalized and made collaboratively. Dr. Demers will consider many factors, including the type and stage of your cancer or blood disorder, your overall health, genetic markers of the disease (if applicable), current treatment guidelines, and importantly, your personal preferences and values. Often, cases are discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings (tumor boards) with other specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach. You will be an active participant in this decision-making process.

How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Demers?

Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Demers, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Demers works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.

Hôpital Cité-de-la-Santé
1755 boul René-Laennec
Laval, QC H7M 3L9

Phone: (450) 975-5359

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Demers is a licensed Hematologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14708