Dr. Suzanne Maria Vercauteren – Pathologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Suzanne Vercauteren is a highly skilled Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist), specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within a diagnostic laboratory at a major hospital in Vancouver, BC, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her role involves interpreting complex laboratory data to assist in accurate patient diagnosis. The laboratory where Dr. Vercauteren practices is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, ensuring precise and timely results that support clinical decision-making and patient management. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining the highest levels of professional integrity and quality assurance.

In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Vercauteren holds a medical degree from Universiteit Utrecht (1999) and is certified as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist). She holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to excellence in her subspecialty. Her training and credentials ensure she is well-equipped to provide expert diagnostic services within the laboratory medicine field.

Dr. Vercauteren’s professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision. She utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and technologies to deliver comprehensive and reliable results. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient care. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she is dedicated to contributing to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education. Her focus remains on providing excellent diagnostic expertise and reporting in English, supporting healthcare providers and patients across Vancouver with clarity and confidence.

Dr. Vercauteren 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 is situated in Vancouver's Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood, within a state-of-the-art hospital or medical center complex. Its proximity to the Hotel Vancouver makes it accessible for patients and healthcare providers alike. The facility is conveniently reachable via TransLink’s SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), Bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The laboratory meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger healthcare institution. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians or their staff should contact the laboratory’s main office or designated contact points. The environment is designed to support efficient and accurate diagnostic services, serving as a core component of the hospital’s healthcare delivery system.

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

Pathologists like Dr. Vercauteren 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 Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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. Vercauteren is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

Will I meet Dr. Vercauteren directly as a patient?

Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Vercauteren. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Vercauteren then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.

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

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Vercauteren, 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. Vercauteren, as a Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) 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 long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Vercauteren'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. Vercauteren and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Vercauteren's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

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

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Vercauteren are critical tools for treating physicians. They contain detailed descriptions of microscopic findings and a definitive diagnosis. This information allows other doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's illness, plan surgeries, choose medications, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatments. The accuracy of Dr. Vercauteren's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

2K51-4500 Oak St, Hematopathology, BC Childrens Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

Laboratory Phone: (604) 875-2939

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

Dr. Vercauteren is a licensed Hematological Pathologist (Hematopathologist) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Pathology services by Dr. Vercauteren 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. Vercauteren's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327567/Vercauteren%2CSuzanne