Dr. Sam Doe – Cardiologist | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Sam Doe is a dedicated Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases. Practicing in North Vancouver, BC, he serves patients from the surrounding region. He adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His clinical focus encompasses a broad spectrum of cardiovascular issues, with a particular interest in adult heart disease management.

Dr. Doe graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 1998 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Cardiology, including certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His education and training have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of complex cardiac conditions and the latest therapeutic approaches.

His clinical philosophy emphasizes professional and evidence-based care, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs. Committed to serving the North Vancouver community, Dr. Doe is fluent in English and Korean, facilitating effective communication with a diverse patient population. He is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of patient care in a compassionate and respectful manner.

Dr. Doe provides expert care for adults with a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including:

Valvular Heart Disease

• Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up: Ongoing care and monitoring for patients after surgical or transcatheter heart valve repair or replacement.
• Mitral Valve Disease (Stenosis & Regurgitation/Prolapse): Assessment of mitral valve problems, monitoring progression, and managing related complications like arrhythmias or heart failure.
• Infective Endocarditis Follow-Up: Managing cardiac health after treatment for infection of the heart valves or lining.

Heart Failure & Cardiomyopathy

• Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation: Assessing for high blood pressure in the lung arteries, often related to underlying heart or lung conditions.
• Cardiomyopathy (Various Types): Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the heart muscle itself, such as dilated, hypertrophic, or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
• Congestive Heart Failure (Systolic & Diastolic): Comprehensive management including optimizing medications, managing symptoms (fluid retention, shortness of breath), and improving quality of life.

Other Cardiovascular Conditions

• Cardio-Oncology Issues: Monitoring and managing potential heart complications related to cancer treatments.
• Aortic Diseases (e.g., Aneurysm Monitoring): Medical management and monitoring of conditions affecting the aorta, such as aneurysms (in collaboration with vascular specialists).
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD): Ongoing specialized care for adults born with structural heart defects (often requires dedicated ACHD expertise).

Cardiologists manage a broad spectrum of heart and vascular conditions. This list showcases common areas. Consultation with Dr. Doe is typically initiated via referral from your family doctor or another specialist to address your specific cardiovascular concerns.

• Management of Cardiovascular Medications: Expert prescribing, titration, and monitoring of medications used to treat various heart conditions and risk factors.
• Anticoagulation Management (e.g., for AFib, Clots): Managing blood-thinning medications to prevent stroke or blood clots, including monitoring and dose adjustments.
• Follow-Up Cardiology Care: Ongoing monitoring and management of established heart conditions, including medication adjustments and assessment of treatment effectiveness.
• Ambulatory ECG (Holter & Event Monitor) Interpretation: Analyzing recordings from portable heart monitors worn for 24 hours up to several weeks to diagnose intermittent arrhythmias or correlate symptoms with heart rhythm.
• Consultation for Chest Pain Evaluation: Specialist assessment to determine the cause of chest pain, differentiating between cardiac and non-cardiac origins.

Note: This list highlights key areas of cardiovascular care provided by Dr. Doe. The specific services required will depend on your individual diagnosis and referral. Please discuss specific service needs with your referring physician.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Doe primarily practices at Lions Gate Hospital, located in North Vancouver, BC. The hospital is situated near the central North Vancouver neighborhood, with convenient access from nearby points of interest such as the Lonsdale Quay and Capilano University. The facility is easily accessible via local public transit, including bus routes servicing the North Vancouver area. The hospital provides comprehensive outpatient and inpatient cardiology services, ensuring close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Parking is available at the facility. The hospital premises are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

Are cardiology consultations and tests ordered by Dr. Doe covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

Yes, consultations with specialists like Dr. Doe are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when you have a valid health card and a required referral. Most medically necessary diagnostic tests ordered by a cardiologist (like ECGs, standard echocardiograms, stress tests) are also usually covered. Some advanced tests or specific procedures might have different coverage rules or require pre-approval. It's always best to confirm specific coverage with Medical Services Plan (MSP) or the testing facility.

Do I need a referral from my family doctor to see Dr. Doe?

Yes, as a specialist in Cardiology, a referral from your family doctor or another referring physician is required to schedule an appointment with Dr. Doe. This ensures the consultation is appropriate for your medical needs and facilitates coordination of your care. Please ask your doctor to send a referral request.

When might my family doctor refer me to a Cardiologist?

Referrals are common for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness or fainting; abnormal ECG or stress test results; known heart conditions requiring specialist management (e.g., Evaluation of Palpitations, Post-Valve Surgery / Intervention Follow-Up, Cardio-Oncology Issues); strong family history of heart disease; or managing cardiovascular risk factors in complex patients.

What is Holter monitoring?

A Holter monitor is a small, portable device that records your heart's electrical activity (ECG) continuously, typically for 24 to 48 hours, while you go about your normal daily activities. It's used to detect heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) that may not occur during a standard brief ECG in the office.

How should I prepare for a stress test?

Specific instructions will be provided when your test is booked. Generally, you may be asked to avoid caffeine for several hours beforehand, wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing, and potentially hold certain heart medications (like beta-blockers) on the day of the test. Always confirm instructions with the testing facility or Dr. Doe's office.

Lions Gate Hospital
1133 Lonsdale Ave, Suite 400
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2H4

Phone: (604) 980-1031 | Fax: (604) 980-1032 | Website: http://www.vch.ca/locations-and-services/find-locations/find-locations?site_id=95

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Doe is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324685/Doe%2CSam