Dr. Sydney Elisabeth Card – Pathologist | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Sydney Card 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 New Westminster, BC, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She specializes in Anatomical Pathology, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers. The laboratory where Dr. Card works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

Dr. Card graduated with an MD from the University of Western Ontario in 2011. She holds specialty certification as an Anatomical Pathologist and maintains certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional competency and ongoing education in her field.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing the latest laboratory techniques and technologies. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, Dr. Card dedicates herself to contributing to medical knowledge through research and education, supporting patient care in New Westminster. She provides diagnostic expertise and reporting in English, ensuring clarity and reliability in her reports.

Dr. Card 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.

Located in the Uptown neighbourhood of New Westminster, the diagnostic laboratory where Dr. Sydney Card practices is situated in a modern hospital or medical facility near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall. The laboratory is easily accessible via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, providing a state-of-the-art environment for diagnostic services. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated representative. The laboratory serves as a core diagnostic service within the healthcare institution, supporting timely and accurate pathology results for patient care.

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

Pathologists like Dr. Card 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 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., Dr. Card is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

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

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Card, 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. Card, as a 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., plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.

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

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Card 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. Card's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

Will I meet Dr. Card directly as a patient?

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

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Card'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. Card and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Card's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

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

Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Card works, operate under strict quality management systems. This involves numerous checks and balances, from specimen receipt to final report generation. Diagnoses are often based on established criteria, and for challenging cases, pathologists frequently consult with peers or seek second opinions. Continuous education and adherence to best practices are essential for ensuring the high level of accuracy expected in pathology reports provided by Dr. Card.

330 Columbia Street East, Royal Columbian Hospital, Department of Pathology
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Laboratory Phone: (604) 520-4253

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

Dr. Card 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. Card 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. Card's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/361994/Card%2CSydney