Dr. Bradley Allan Stebner – Emergency Room Doctor | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Bradley Allan Stebner 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. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). He is skilled in 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.

Dr. Stebner graduated with his MD from the University of Calgary in 2018. He holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) and has completed extensive post-graduate training in emergency medicine. He possesses all the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia, ensuring he is well-equipped to manage complex medical emergencies with competence and professionalism.

His professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring patient safety at all times. Dr. Stebner values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His dedication lies in delivering urgent care to the community of Kelowna, always prioritizing the needs and well-being of his patients. He provides emergency care in English, ensuring clear communication during high-stress situations.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Stebner manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Stebner manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Identifying and managing potential complications of PE, such as right heart strain.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Stebner manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).

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: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
• 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.
• 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.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Stebner 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's Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighbourhood is situated within a modern hospital facility that is easily accessible from major routes including Kelowna International Airport (YLW) Access. The hospital is well-connected via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), providing convenient access for patients and visitors. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with dedicated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care, equipped to handle high-acuity cases, and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient management.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Stebner, a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., 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.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Stebner 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.

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

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

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. Stebner, 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Stebner 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. Stebner, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Stebner and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Stebner 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. Stebner and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

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

Hospital Main Line: (403) 803-2046

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Stebner's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/364954/Stebner%2CBradley