About
Dr. Winnie Chan is a highly skilled General Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at St Michael's Hospital in Kitchener, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She plays a crucial role in patient care by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids to identify abnormalities, determine the nature and extent of diseases such as cancer, infections, and inflammatory conditions. The diagnostic insights provided by Dr. Chan are essential for guiding clinical management and treatment strategies by other physicians. The St Michael's Hospital where Dr. Chan works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.
Dr. Winnie Chan graduated with a Medical Degree from Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. She has over 31 years of experience working as a General Pathologist since 1993. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her expertise and adherence to Canadian standards of medical practice.
Dr. Chan is committed 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. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety is central to her practice. Additionally, she contributes to medical knowledge through ongoing research and education where applicable. Fluent in Cantonese, Chinese, and Mandarin, Dr. Chan effectively communicates with multilingual clinical teams and provides comprehensive reports in English to ensure clarity and understanding for all healthcare providers involved in patient care in Kitchener.
Dr. Chan 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 is situated in the vibrant Downtown Kitchener area, within the Cedar Hill neighborhood. The hospital's proximity to the Forest Heights Community Library makes it a convenient location for community access. The laboratory is easily accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. The laboratory provides state-of-the-art diagnostic services, supporting a broad range of medical specialties. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly through their main contact channels or the hospital's administrative offices. The laboratory functions as a core diagnostic service within the healthcare institution, ensuring timely and accurate results to facilitate optimal patient care.
- Will I meet Dr. Chan directly as a patient?
- While Pathologists like Dr. Chan 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. Chan's findings with you.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Chan in healthcare?
- Dr. Chan is a General 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 are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Chan used by other doctors?
- Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Chan 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. Chan's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Chan?
- Pathology laboratories, where Dr. Chan 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. Chan.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Chan examine?
- Pathologists like Dr. Chan 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 General 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. Chan is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Chan'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. Chan, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
St Michael's Hospital
Room 4-144, 835 King Street West
Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3
Laboratory Phone: (519) 749-4300 | Laboratory Fax: (519) 749-4221
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Chan is a licensed General 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. Chan 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. Chan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Winnie-Wing-Yee/0046576-60554