Dr. Tharwat Abdelwhab Fera – Pulmonologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Tharwat Abdelwhab Fera is a Respirologist / Pulmonologist. Practicing at a respiratory clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Fera is committed to delivering expert, patient-focused care in Respirology. Dr. Fera is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and upholds the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice in BC. As a certified specialist in Respirology (also known as Pulmonology), Dr. Fera focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system. The goal is to improve respiratory health, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with breathing disorders. Dr. Fera serves patients with a variety of respiratory conditions.

Dr. Tharwat Abdelwhab Fera earned a Medical Degree from University Of Cairo, Egypt, graduating in 1976. Following this, Dr. Fera completed specialty training and achieved certification in Respirology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or equivalent recognized body). With over 49 years of specialized practice since 1976, Dr. Fera's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Respirology (Pulmonology). Dr. Fera is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in respiratory medicine to provide optimal patient care.

Key aspects of Dr. Fera's medical practice philosophy include: empowering patients through clear education about their lung condition and active involvement in their management; collaborating with family physicians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. Dr. Fera is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Arabic and Greek.

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

Airway Diseases

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Management strategies for COPD, including medication, smoking cessation support, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
• Chronic Bronchitis: Addressing long-term inflammation of the bronchi (large airways), primarily characterized by a persistent cough with mucus production.

Pleural Diseases

• Pleurisy (Pleuritis): Treating inflammation of the pleura (the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity), which causes sharp chest pain, especially during breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: Diagnosing the cause and managing the buildup of excess fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space).
• Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung - Follow-up Care): Providing follow-up care and management after a pneumothorax (air in the pleural space causing lung collapse) to ensure resolution and prevent recurrence.

Lung Infections

• Tuberculosis (Pulmonary): Managing the lung-related aspects of this infectious bacterial disease.
• Bronchitis (Acute): Differentiating from chronic bronchitis and providing symptomatic relief for short-term airway inflammation.
• Pneumonia: Addressing acute lung infections to ensure proper recovery and prevent complications.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Fera, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic for more information.

• Management of Pneumonia and Lung Infections: Outpatient management of appropriate respiratory infections, ensuring adequate recovery and resolution.
• Chest Imaging Interpretation: Expert review and interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, and other thoracic imaging studies to identify and assess lung abnormalities.
• Diagnostic Bronchoscopy: Utilizing bronchoscopic techniques for accurate diagnosis of various lung pathologies.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fera. 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. Tharwat Abdelwhab Fera 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. Tharwat Abdelwhab Fera'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. Fera frequently helps patients work towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Fera about a cough that has lasted for weeks or months and just won't go away is to attain slowed progression of their chronic lung disease where possible. This success not only improves respiratory health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like attending social events and feeling confident in their ability to manage their breathing.
• When needing guidance on how to use their inhalers or CPAP machine correctly starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to managing their personal care and hygiene independently, Dr. Fera and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by successful and comfortable use of their CPAP therapy for sleep apnea and a return to comfort and confidence in their breathing.
• For individuals troubled by snoring very loudly, choking or gasping for air during sleep, and feeling tired all day, Dr. Fera's approach is focused on delivering a significant reduction in their chronic cough or wheezing. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like walking up a flight of stairs without becoming excessively breathless with better lung health.
• Dr. Fera expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of experiencing breathing problems related to their work environment. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by breathing more easily and feeling less short of breath during daily activities, means they can happily and comfortably get back to climbing a small hill or incline with improved endurance.

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

Dr. Fera's respiratory clinic in Vancouver is situated in the Fairview neighborhood, conveniently located near the Vancouver Art Gallery. The clinic is easily accessible via TransLink, utilizing the SkyTrain (Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). Information regarding parking options can be provided when you call to book your appointment.

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

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

The first visit with Dr. Fera 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. Fera 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. Fera 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.

How is a Respirologist different from a Thoracic Surgeon or an Allergist?

While all three may deal with conditions affecting breathing, their approaches differ. Thoracic Surgeons are surgical specialists who perform operations on organs in the chest, including the lungs (e.g., lung cancer surgery, lung biopsies). Allergists (Allergist & Clinical Immunologists) are medical specialists who diagnose and treat allergic conditions, which can include allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, often using immunotherapy and medication. Respirologists like Dr. Fera are medical specialists focused on the non-surgical diagnosis and medical management of a broad range of lung and respiratory diseases, using medications, inhaler therapies, diagnostic procedures like bronchoscopy, and management of conditions like COPD and sleep apnea. They often coordinate long-term care for chronic respiratory illnesses.

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

Yes, Respirologists like Dr. Fera 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. Fera 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 are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), and why might Dr. Fera 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. Fera 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.

Do I typically need a referral to see a Respirologist (Pulmonologist) like Dr. Fera?

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

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

A Respirologist (often called a Pulmonologist) like Dr. Fera 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.

910-943 Broadway W
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E1

Phone: (604) 731-1123

Dr. Tharwat Abdelwhab Fera 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: 6500

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303970/Fera%2CTharwat

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