Description
About Dr. Thamara Arachchilage
Dr. Thamara Arachchilage is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at St Michael's Hospital in Thunder Bay, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The hospital is situated in the Port Arthur Central neighborhood, near the Victoriaville Civic Centre, and is easily accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. It provides a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment, supporting accurate and timely results to facilitate clinical decision-making.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka and has over 12 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 2012. Dr. Arachchilage is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and adherence to high standards of practice.
Her professional philosophy is centered on a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. She emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Dr. Arachchilage upholds the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, contributing to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education where applicable. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Thunder Bay, providing comprehensive diagnostic expertise and reporting in English.
Diagnostic Pathology Services by Dr. Thamara Arachchilage
Dr. Arachchilage 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.
Laboratory Location & Contact
St Michael's Hospital is located in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central neighborhood, near the Victoriaville Civic Centre. The hospital is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit and features a modern facility that meets accessibility standards. The laboratory is a core diagnostic service within the hospital complex, equipped with advanced technology to ensure accurate and timely results. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians should contact the laboratory through their main office or the hospital's administrative contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pathology Services
- Will I meet Dr. Arachchilage directly as a patient?
- While Pathologists like Dr. Arachchilage 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. Arachchilage's findings with you.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Arachchilage examine?
- Dr. Arachchilage, in her role as an 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, analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. She also interprets blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Arachchilage in healthcare?
- Dr. Arachchilage is an 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. She is a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Arachchilage?
- Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Arachchilage and her 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. Arachchilage undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Arachchilage used by other doctors?
- Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Arachchilage 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. Arachchilage's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Arachchilage's lab?
- The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. Arachchilage, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
Laboratory & Licensing Information
St Michael's Hospital
Room 2-007G Core Lab, 980 Oliver Road, Cardinal Carter
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
Laboratory Phone: (807) 684-7049
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Arachchilage is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Arachchilage 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. Arachchilage's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wickrama-Arachchilage-Thamara/0251835-89794