Dr. Edmund Sai Hong Kwok – Emergency Room Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Edmund Sai Hong Kwok is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Markham Stouffville Hospital in Ottawa, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Kwok's role involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in patients of all ages. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and coordinating care effectively within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has accumulated over 12 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2012. Dr. Kwok is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist in Emergency Medicine by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and ongoing professional development enable him to provide expert care in a wide range of emergency situations, ensuring optimal outcomes for his patients.

Dr. Kwok's professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for his patients' needs in acute settings. Fluent in English and Cantonese, Dr. Kwok effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in emergency scenarios, ensuring clarity and reassurance during stressful times. His dedication to serving the Ottawa community underscores his focus on delivering timely, efficient, and patient-centered emergency care.

Dr. Edmund Kwok is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Kwok manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Kwok manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Monitoring response to therapy closely and adjusting treatment accordingly.
• COPD Exacerbation: Management of acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by increased dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, often requiring bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Kwok manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.

This list is not exhaustive. The Emergency Department is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of urgent health issues. If you believe you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest ER or call emergency services.

• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Assessing for associated cervical spine injuries in patients with head trauma.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Emergency placement of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) to evacuate air (pneumothorax) or fluid (hemothorax, pleural effusion, empyema) from the pleural space.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Kwok are tailored to the immediate needs of patients in acute situations.

All emergency medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Markham Stouffville Hospital is situated in Ottawa's Hintonburg neighborhood, close to the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum. The hospital is easily accessible via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The Emergency Department is a vital part of the hospital, providing high-acuity care within a comprehensive healthcare facility. The ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to the ER entrance and parking areas. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the Emergency Department serves as a frontline resource for the community, offering immediate evaluation and treatment for a wide range of urgent health issues.

What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?

The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Kwok, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Kwok?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Kwok, a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Kwok?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Kwok in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Kwok and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

When should I see Dr. Kwok in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Kwok practices, is designed for urgent and emergency situations—conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Your family doctor, on the other hand, provides comprehensive primary care, including treatment for common illnesses, management of long-term health conditions, immunizations, and preventative screening. For problems that are not immediate emergencies, your family doctor can provide more personalized and continuous care. If you have a non-urgent issue, the ER may involve a long wait.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Kwok works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

The Emergency Room is for serious or life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention. Examples include: severe chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, signs of a stroke (like sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking), major injuries or uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, high fever with confusion, or loss of consciousness. For non-urgent issues, minor illnesses, medication refills, or routine check-ups, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is usually more appropriate. If you're unsure about the severity of your condition, it's often best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care or call your provincial telehealth line for advice. Dr. Kwok and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Kwok works?

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Kwok and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

Markham Stouffville Hospital
1053 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Hospital Main Line: (613) 798-5555

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Kwok is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Emergency Room services are typically accessed by presenting directly to the Emergency Department or via ambulance (e.g., by calling 911) for urgent medical conditions. No direct referral is usually required to be seen in the ER by Dr. Kwok or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Kwok's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kwok-Edmund-Sai-Hong/0233482-85047