Dr. Anthony Thomas Bryson – Emergency Room Doctor | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Anthony Thomas Bryson 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 New Westminster, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that his practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Bryson's role involves rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. 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-threatening care, with patients being seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Located in New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood, the ER is conveniently accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus) and is situated near Westminster Pier Park. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support patient recovery and ongoing care.

He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC. Dr. Bryson graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 2014 and has since dedicated himself to providing high-quality emergency care. His professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, he prioritizes patient safety and advocates for patient needs in all acute care settings. Dr. Bryson delivers emergency care in English, with a focus on serving the diverse population of New Westminster.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Bryson manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Bryson manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Determining the need for further imaging or specialist follow-up based on the severity and nature of the injury.
• 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.

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.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Bryson 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 New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood, is situated within the hospital complex near Westminster Pier Park. It is easily accessible via public transit, including the TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses). The hospital provides ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The ER serves as a vital point of contact for urgent medical care for residents of New Westminster and surrounding communities, offering comprehensive services in a modern, accessible facility.

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

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Bryson, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

Dr. Bryson 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.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Bryson, 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. Bryson?

Dr. Bryson, 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Bryson practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Bryson, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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. Bryson, 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.

330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital Emergency Department
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Hospital Main Line: (604) 520-4000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Bryson 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. Bryson or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Bryson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336755/Bryson%2CAnthony