Dr. Adam Cheng is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Cheng focuses on rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families. The Pediatric Emergency Department is specially equipped and staffed to care for acutely ill and injured children and adolescents, operating 24/7. Care is prioritized based on medical urgency to ensure timely and effective treatment.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Toronto in 1999. He holds specialty certification as a Pediatric Emergency Physician and has completed extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Cheng maintains the necessary certifications to practice Pediatric Emergency Medicine in Alberta, including Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), and other relevant credentials. His commitment to ongoing education ensures that his practice remains aligned with the latest evidence-based standards and innovations in pediatric emergency care.
Dr. Cheng’s professional philosophy is rooted in a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for the needs of his patients in all circumstances. He embraces a family-centered approach to pediatric emergency care, aiming to minimize distress for children and their families during emergencies. Dr. Cheng is dedicated to serving the community of Calgary by delivering high-quality, compassionate emergency care in English.
Dr. Adam Cheng is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Specific Pediatric Emergencies
Dr. Cheng manages differentiating common pediatric ailments from potentially life-threatening conditions.
- Febrile Seizures in Children: Assessment and management of seizures occurring in infants and young children (typically 6 months to 5 years) associated with a febrile illness, ensuring to rule out more serious underlying causes like meningitis or encephalitis.
- Acute Respiratory Distress in Infants and Children (e.g., Croup, Bronchiolitis, Foreign Body Aspiration): Utilizing age-appropriate assessment tools for respiratory distress.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Cheng manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Cheng manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Assessing need for hospitalization versus outpatient management based on severity scores.
- COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
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.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.
- Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies: Accurate diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of common acute pediatric conditions such as high fever, viral croup, acute asthma exacerbations, bronchiolitis, and acute gastroenteritis with dehydration.
- Pediatric Resuscitation (PALS/APLS): Managing cardiac arrest, shock, and respiratory failure in pediatric patients according to current guidelines.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Performing swift medical evaluations in the emergency setting to quickly ascertain the nature and severity of a patient's condition.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Implementing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) interventions as required.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Cheng 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
The Emergency Department in Calgary's NW: Bowness, Montgomery, Greenwood neighborhood is situated conveniently near the Peace Bridge, accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The hospital facility offers fully accessible entry points for all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. This ER is a high-acuity environment, providing immediate, comprehensive care to those in urgent need. It serves as a critical access point for the community, integrating seamlessly with other hospital services to deliver timely medical attention around the clock.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Cheng?
- Dr. Cheng, as a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children, specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Cheng and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Cheng works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Cheng and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Cheng works?
- To help Dr. Cheng and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Cheng?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Cheng, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Cheng as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- Does the Emergency Room where Dr. Cheng works provide specialized care for children?
- Absolutely. As a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children, Dr. Cheng focuses on the emergency medical needs of children, from newborns to teenagers. The ER environment and protocols are adapted to provide the best possible care for pediatric emergencies.
28 Oki Dr NW, Alberta Children's Hospital
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8
Hospital Main Line: (403) 955-7070
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Cheng is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Cheng or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Cheng's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=f3c47021-aae0-41eb-9a42-f32cc2cdf823&i=276