Dr. Sunny Ronald Dong

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

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.
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosing and managing this chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs with no known cause.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Monitoring patients after initial treatment (e.g., chest tube) for a collapsed lung.

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.
• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Bronchitis: A component of COPD, managed with strategies to reduce airway inflammation and improve mucus clearance.
• Asthma: Diagnosing and managing all forms of asthma, including allergic, non-allergic, exercise-induced, and occupational asthma, in adults and children.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Dong, 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.
• Pleural Effusion Management: Diagnosing the cause of pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs) and managing them, which may include therapeutic thoracentesis (fluid drainage) in an outpatient setting if appropriate.
• Inhaler Technique and Respiratory Device Training: Helping patients master the use of their respiratory equipment to improve medication delivery to the lungs.
• Asthma Management and Education: Helping patients achieve optimal asthma control, reduce exacerbations, and improve their quality of life.
• 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. Dong. 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. Sunny Ronald Dong 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. Sunny Ronald Dong'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. Dong frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• If needing help to quit smoking and improve their lung health has unfortunately put enjoying a leisurely walk in the park or around their neighborhood on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Dong works closely with patients towards attaining a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing, effectively helping them regain their previous level of respiratory function and confidence.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of needing to manage their oxygen therapy effectively at home, Dr. Dong offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach improved sleep quality and feeling more rested and energetic during the day (especially for sleep apnea). This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of returning to work or engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
• For those affected by their child having persistent coughing, wheezing, or frequent respiratory illnesses, Dr. Dong provides solutions that lead to better understanding of how to use their inhalers and medications correctly. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to traveling by car or plane with greater comfort.
• Overcoming or effectively managing experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment is a common journey for patients under Dr. Dong's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling empowered to take an active role in their respiratory care, so that daily routines and pleasures like singing or playing a wind instrument if that's a passion become more manageable again.

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

Dr. Dong's respiratory clinic in Burnaby is situated in the Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Brentwood Town Centre and is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Patient parking is typically available nearby or on-site.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Dong 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. Dong 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.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at our clinic?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 24 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Dong. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient who may be waiting for care. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee at the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us manage our schedule efficiently to serve all our patients.

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Dong 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. Dong?

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

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

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

The first visit with Dr. Dong 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. Dong 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. Dong 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.

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

507-4211 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC, V5H 1Z6

Phone: (604) 875-0333

Dr. Sunny Ronald Dong 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: 7332

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/305105/Dong%2CSunny

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