Dr. Shamim Ara – Pathologist | Peterborough, ON

Dr. Shamim Ara is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at UHN Toronto Western Hospital in Peterborough, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. She specializes in Anatomical Pathology, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers. The UHN Toronto Western Hospital where Dr. Ara works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

Dr. Ara graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Chittagong in Bangladesh. With over 13 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 2011, she brings extensive expertise to her practice. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to the highest standards of medical practice and laboratory quality assurance.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. Dr. Ara emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. She upholds the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, contributing to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Dedicated to diagnostic excellence, she supports patient care in Peterborough and communicates findings in Bengali when liaising with multilingual clinical teams, in addition to providing primary reports in English.

Dr. Ara provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic pathology services. For specific inquiries about test availability or consultative services, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly.

Note: This list outlines key diagnostic areas. Pathology services support a wide spectrum of medical investigations. Detailed reports are provided to referring physicians for clinical correlation.

All pathology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

UHN Toronto Western Hospital is located in the heart of Peterborough's Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood. The hospital is situated near Peterborough Square Mall, making it accessible for patients and clinicians alike. The facility is well-connected via Peterborough Transit, providing convenient access for staff and visitors. The laboratory meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, offering a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are encouraged to contact the laboratory through their main office or the hospital's general contact channels. This core diagnostic service supports a wide range of medical specialties and patient care needs.

What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Ara in healthcare?

Dr. Ara is a Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues., a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.

How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Ara used by other doctors?

The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Ara is fundamental for patient care. It confirms or refutes clinical suspicions, classifies diseases (e.g., type and grade of cancer), identifies infectious agents, and can provide prognostic information. Surgeons use pathology reports to determine if a tumor was completely removed, oncologists to select appropriate chemotherapy, and general practitioners to manage chronic conditions. Essentially, Dr. Ara's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.

How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Ara?

Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Ara works, operate under strict quality management systems. This involves numerous checks and balances, from specimen receipt to final report generation. Diagnoses are often based on established criteria, and for challenging cases, pathologists frequently consult with peers or seek second opinions. Continuous education and adherence to best practices are essential for ensuring the high level of accuracy expected in pathology reports provided by Dr. Ara.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Ara examine?

Dr. Ara, in their role as a Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues., analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. They also interpret blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.

Will I meet Dr. Ara directly as a patient?

Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Ara. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Ara then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.

UHN Toronto Western Hospital
McLaughlin 2 - 405, 1 Hospital Drive, Department of Anaesthesia
Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6

Laboratory Phone: (705) 743-2121 | Laboratory Fax: (705) 876-5008

The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.

Dr. Ara is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Ara are accessed via referrals for specimen analysis from primary care physicians or other specialists. Results and reports are communicated back to the referring doctor.

Verify Dr. Ara's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ara-Shamim/0233370-85113