Dr. Christine Choi – Emergency Room Doctor | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Christine Choi 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, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe and effective patient care. Dr. Choi's role involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. Her focus is on managing time-sensitive situations, performing emergency procedures as needed, and coordinating care within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care, with patients seen based on severity determined through triage.

She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. Dr. Choi graduated with her MD from the University of Toronto in 2004 and has since dedicated her career to emergency medicine. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with best practices and advances in emergency care, providing her with the skills necessary to handle complex and critical cases efficiently.

Dr. Choi's professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Her dedication to the community of New Westminster is reflected in her focus on providing timely, safe, and effective emergency care, delivered in English and tailored to each patient's immediate needs.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Choi manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• 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.
• 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 Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Monitoring response to therapy closely and adjusting treatment accordingly.
• 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. Choi 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): Careful examination to rule out more serious underlying injuries, such as fractures, compartment syndrome, or tendon ruptures.

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.

• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Choi 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 a modern hospital facility that serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care in the community. Easily accessible via public transit, including TransLink's SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes, the department is conveniently located near the Uptown Business District. The hospital's parking facilities provide designated spots for emergency access, with clear signage guiding patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The Emergency Department operates 24/7, ensuring timely care for urgent and life-threatening conditions, and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support patient needs during emergencies.

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. Choi 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.

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

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

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Choi 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. Choi 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. Choi, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Choi, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care, Dr. Choi is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

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

Hospital Main Line: (604) 520-4000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Choi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332829/Choi%2CChristine