Dr. Shaun Ren Ong

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

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Involvement in the diagnosis and respiratory management of active pulmonary tuberculosis and latent TB infection, often in collaboration with public health.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Identifying and eliminating exposure to the offending antigen, and managing airway inflammation with medication if needed.
• Sarcoidosis (Pulmonary Manifestations): Managing the lung involvement of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs.
• Other Interstitial Lung Diseases: Comprehensive diagnostic workup and tailored management for diverse conditions causing diffuse lung scarring and inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Emphysema: A major component of COPD, characterized by destruction of lung tissue and impaired gas exchange.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Helping patients manage symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, and dyspnea associated with COPD.

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

• Oxygen Therapy Prescription and Management: Assessing the need for and prescribing supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with chronic hypoxemia due to various lung conditions.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Performing flexible bronchoscopy to directly visualize the airways, obtain biopsies, and collect samples for diagnosing lung infections, inflammation, or cancer.
• Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Interpretation: Utilizing PFT results to guide diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Asthma Management and Education: Comprehensive care for asthma patients, including personalized treatment plans, inhaler technique training, trigger identification, and asthma action plans.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Investigating and treating conditions leading to fluid accumulation in the pleural space.

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

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Ong with concerns about worrying about the effects of long-term smoking on their lungs. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve achieving better control of their asthma or COPD symptoms, with fewer flare-ups, making a positive and lasting return to their child being able to keep up with peers during play and sports not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Dr. Ong expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by successful navigation of the diagnostic process for a complex lung issue, means they can happily and comfortably get back to returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• The journey from their asthma not being well-controlled, with frequent attacks or need for their rescue inhaler to wellness often involves Dr. Ong's dedicated care. The milestone is a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, which opens the door back to activities such as managing their personal care and hygiene independently.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Ong about their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses is to attain clear guidance on managing their condition and when to seek urgent care. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like playing with their children or grandchildren with more ease.

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

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

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

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Ong 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. Ong 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.

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

What does a Respirologist / Pulmonologist like Dr. Ong do?

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

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see a Respirologist like Dr. Ong 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. Ong has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need a respiratory assessment.

What can I expect at my first appointment with Dr. Ong at the clinic?

The first visit with Dr. Ong 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. Ong 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. Ong 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 the patient to establish health goals.

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

Phone: (604) 525-8822

Dr. Shaun Ren Ong 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: 44701

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343550/Ong%2CShaun

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