Dr. Stefanie Chi-Mun Leung

As a Respirologist, Dr. Stefanie Chi-Mun Leung diagnoses and manages a wide array of conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including but not limited to:

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Performing diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis to remove fluid and identify underlying conditions like infection, heart failure, or malignancy.
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Identifying the underlying cause, such as viral infection or autoimmune disease, and managing pain and inflammation.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Bronchiectasis: Managing this chronic condition where damage to the airways causes them to widen and become scarred, leading to recurrent infections and mucus buildup.

Lung Infections

• Bronchitis (Acute): Treating acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often caused by viral infections, leading to cough and mucus.
• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.

Interstitial Lung Diseases Ild

• 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.
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Diagnosing and treating lung inflammation caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled organic dusts, molds, or chemicals.

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

• COPD Management and Education: Providing education and support to empower individuals with COPD to actively participate in their care.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Providing detailed instruction and education on the correct use of various inhalers, nebulizers, and other respiratory devices.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Referral: Coordinating with pulmonary rehabilitation teams to support patients with chronic lung diseases.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Analyzing radiological images to detect signs of infection, inflammation, tumors, or structural lung changes.
• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Leung. 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. Stefanie Chi-Mun Leung 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. Stefanie Chi-Mun Leung'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. Leung frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• Managing needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Leung and the medical team. The clear aim is always reduced frequency of lung infections and hospitalizations due to respiratory problems, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood and their daily routines without severe respiratory hindrance.
• Dr. Leung understands that dealing with difficulty clearing mucus from their lungs can be challenging. That's why her treatment plans are geared towards achieving learning effective techniques to manage their breathing and clear their airways, helping patients comfortably get back to managing their personal care and hygiene independently and feeling their best.
• When wheezing sounds or a feeling of tightness in their chest when they breathe begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Leung helps patients strive for slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This makes participating in activities such as performing daily household chores like cleaning or grocery shopping without significant difficulty a pleasant and possible experience again.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Leung about needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly is to attain an improved overall quality of life despite living with a chronic lung condition. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.

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

Dr. Leung's respiratory clinic in Kelowna is situated in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood, conveniently located near the Orchard Park Mall Area. The clinic is easily accessible via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

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

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

The first visit with Dr. Leung will typically involve a comprehensive respiratory assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the nature and timeline of your current respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, wheezing), how these symptoms impact your daily activities, smoking history, environmental exposures, and any previous treatments. Dr. Leung 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. Leung will discuss her diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations (like PFTs, sleep study, or bronchoscopy if needed), and will outline potential treatment options, working with you to establish health goals.

Are services provided by a Respirologist like Dr. Leung 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. Leung are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided you have 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 to inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any.

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Leung recommend them?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well your lungs are working. They assess lung volume (how much air your 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. Leung 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. Leung help manage chronic conditions like asthma or COPD?

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Leung 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. Leung 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.

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

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

203-2245 Abbott St
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 1E2

Phone: (236) 420-1061

Dr. Stefanie Chi-Mun Leung 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: 67225

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/330566/Leung%2CStefanie

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