Dr. Stephen Ting-Kee Yip – Pathologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Stephen Yip is a highly skilled Neuropathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Vancouver, BC, he collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The laboratory where Dr. Yip works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical disciplines. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining the highest levels of professional competence and integrity.

He specializes in Neuropathology, diagnosing diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. This involves examining neurosurgical biopsies and autopsy material to identify tumors, degenerative diseases, inflammatory conditions, and infections of the nervous system. Dr. Yip's work is integral to guiding treatment plans and patient management by providing precise and comprehensive diagnoses.

Dr. Yip graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1999 and holds certification as a Neuropathologist. He maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. He values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, Dr. Yip also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. In addition to providing primary reports in English, he is capable of communicating findings in Cantonese to support multi-lingual clinical teams in Vancouver.

Dr. Yip 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.

Situated in Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighborhood, the diagnostic laboratory where Dr. Yip practices is part of a modern hospital or medical center complex. The facility is easily accessible via public transit options including TransLink services such as the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express routes connecting to the Waterfront station. The laboratory space meets accessibility standards and is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to support accurate and efficient testing. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated liaison to facilitate smooth communication and service.

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

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Yip, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Yip, as a Neuropathologist 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, plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.

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

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Yip and his 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. Yip undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

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

Pathologists like Dr. Yip examine a wide variety of biological samples. These include small tissue samples from biopsies (e.g., skin, colon, breast), larger surgical resections of organs or tumors, cytological preparations (like Pap smears or fluid samples from body cavities), blood smears, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, and, in some cases, entire bodies during an autopsy. Each type of specimen provides unique information for diagnosing different diseases. As a Neuropathologist 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, Dr. Yip is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

Will I meet Dr. Yip directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Yip 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. Yip's findings with you.

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

Receiving pathology results typically takes anywhere from a few days for routine cases to one or more weeks for complex specimens requiring special stains or molecular analysis. Dr. Yip and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Yip's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

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

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

899 12 Ave W, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, VGH
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Laboratory Phone: (604) 875-4111 | Laboratory Fax: (604) 875-4797

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

Dr. Yip is a licensed Neuropathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Yip 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. Yip's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/324412/Yip%2CStephen