About
Dr. Virginia Walley is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at St. Michael's Hospital in Peterborough, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. The hospital's facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, ensuring accurate and timely results that support clinical decision-making and patient management. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining the highest levels of professional integrity and laboratory practice.
Dr. Walley received her medical degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 42 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 1982, she has developed extensive expertise in diagnostic pathology. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her advanced training and certification in her specialty.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies. Dr. Walley values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. She upholds the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, contributing to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Peterborough, providing expert reporting and consultation in English.
Dr. Walley 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.
St. Michael's Hospital in Peterborough is situated in the Downtown Peterborough, Central neighborhood. The hospital is conveniently located near Peterborough Square Mall, accessible via Peterborough Transit, with ample parking and accessible entrances. The laboratory facility within the hospital meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. It serves as a core diagnostic service within the healthcare institution, supporting various clinical departments. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians or their designated staff should contact the laboratory's main contact or the hospital's outpatient services for guidance.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Walley in healthcare?
- A Pathologist, such as Dr. Walley, 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. Walley, 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.
- Will I meet Dr. Walley directly as a patient?
- Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Walley. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Walley 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 kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Walley examine?
- Dr. Walley, 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.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Walley?
- Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Walley 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. Walley.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Walley'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. Walley, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Walley used by other doctors?
- The diagnostic report provided by a Pathologist like Dr. Walley is fundamental for patient care. It confirms or refutes clinical suspicions, classifies diseases (e.g., type and grade of cancer), identifies infectious agents, and can provide prognostic information. Surgeons use pathology reports to determine if a tumor was completely removed, oncologists to select appropriate chemotherapy, and general practitioners to manage chronic conditions. Essentially, Dr. Walley's findings form the basis for many critical treatment decisions.
St. Michael's Hospital
Suite 6-001A, 1 Hospital Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6
Laboratory Phone: (705) 743-2121
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Walley 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. Walley 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. Walley's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Walley-Virginia-Margaret/0027765-32588