Dr. Shuo Cai – Pathologist | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Shuo Cai is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Kelowna, BC, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The laboratory where Dr. Cai practices is situated in Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood, a strategic location accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is designed to meet accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, providing a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment. This setting supports efficient specimen processing and timely reporting, essential for optimal patient care. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are encouraged to contact the laboratory's main office or their respective departments. As a core diagnostic service within the healthcare institution, the laboratory plays a vital role in clinical decision-making and patient management.

Dr. Cai graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015. She holds specialty certification as an Anatomical Pathologist and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training includes comprehensive residency and fellowship programs that emphasize diagnostic accuracy, advanced laboratory techniques, and subspecialty expertise in anatomical pathology. Her certification reflects her commitment to maintaining high professional standards and staying current with evolving diagnostic methodologies.

Dedicated to diagnostic excellence, Dr. Cai upholds the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety. She employs advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies to ensure precise and reliable diagnoses. Her professional philosophy emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to facilitate comprehensive patient care. Through her work, Dr. Cai contributes to the advancement of medical knowledge via continuous education and, where applicable, participation in research and teaching. She provides expert diagnostic services primarily in English, supporting clinicians across Kelowna and the surrounding regions with timely and accurate pathology reports.

Dr. Cai 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

The diagnostic laboratory where Dr. Cai works is located in Kelowna's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood, within a modern healthcare facility that serves as a hub for pathology services in the region. The laboratory is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient access for specimen drop-offs and inquiries. The facility meets all accessibility standards and is typically integrated into a larger hospital or medical center complex, equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to support accurate and timely results. For specimen submission or specific questions, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main contact point or their respective department. This location functions as a core component of the healthcare delivery system, providing essential diagnostic services that inform clinical management across multiple specialties.

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

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Cai and her laboratory adhere to stringent quality control and quality assurance protocols. This includes standardized specimen handling and processing, use of calibrated equipment, participation in proficiency testing programs, internal case reviews, and consultations with colleagues on complex cases. Pathologists like Dr. Cai undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

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

Dr. Cai is an 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. She is 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.

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

Dr. Cai, in her role as an 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. She also interprets blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Cai's lab?

The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. Cai, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.

Will I meet Dr. Cai directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Cai play a critical role in patient care, they primarily work behind the scenes in the laboratory, analyzing patient samples and consulting with other physicians. It's generally uncommon for patients to meet their pathologist directly, unless the pathologist has a subspecialty that involves some direct patient procedures (e.g., some hematopathologists performing bone marrow biopsies, though this is often done by hematologists/oncologists). Your primary interaction will be with your treating physician who orders the tests and discusses Dr. Cai's findings with you.

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

The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Cai 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. Cai's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.

2251 Pandosy St, Dr Walter Anderson, Kelowna General Hospital Anatomical Pathology
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T1

Laboratory Phone: (250) 862-4407 | Laboratory Fax: (250) 862-4409

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

Dr. Cai is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Cai 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. Cai's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339000/Cai%2CShuo