Dr. Anthony Lup-Kay Kwan – Emergency Room Doctor | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Anthony Lup-Kay Kwan is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Kelowna, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Kwan's role involves rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across 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 urgent and life-saving care, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their condition through a structured triage process.

He graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 1999 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC). Dr. Kwan has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in British Columbia. His credentials ensure that he maintains a high standard of clinical competence and adheres to the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols.

Dr. Kwan's professional philosophy revolves around rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of his patients in urgent settings. His commitment is to deliver prompt, effective, and compassionate emergency care to the community of Kelowna, delivering services in English with a focus on patient-centered outcomes.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Kwan manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Urgent management of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) associated with evidence of acute or ongoing end-organ damage (e.g., encephalopathy, stroke, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury).

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Kwan manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
• COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Kwan manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.

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.

• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
• 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).
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Kwan 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 British Columbia (CPSBC) 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 Kelowna is situated in the heart of the city’s Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighbourhood. It is conveniently accessible from Waterfront Park, with easy access via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The hospital’s Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking facilities. This department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support a wide range of emergency needs.

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. Kwan as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

Dr. Kwan and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan 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.

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. Kwan 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.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Kwan, 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Kwan?

Dr. Kwan, as a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., 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.

2268 Pandosy St, Kelowna General Hospital, Emergency Department
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2

Hospital Main Line: (250) 980-1760

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Kwan is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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. Kwan or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Kwan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326933/Kwan%2CAnthony