About
Dr. Chung-Chi Jennifer Chao is an experienced Emergency and Critical Care Physician, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in North Vancouver, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Her role involves 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. She also brings expertise in critical care medicine, enhancing the management of severely ill patients in the ER. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-saving care. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process, ensuring that those in critical need receive immediate attention.
Dr. Chung-Chi Jennifer Chao graduated with her medical degree from the University of British Columbia in 2015. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency and Critical Care Physician in British Columbia. Her certification is recognized and maintained in accordance with the standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring she stays current with the latest practices and protocols in emergency medicine.
Her professional philosophy is centered on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care even under pressure, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. She emphasizes effective communication, adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and prioritizing patient safety. Dr. Chao is dedicated to serving the community of North Vancouver with a commitment to excellence in emergency care. Additionally, she is fluent in Mandarin and English, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in urgent situations.
Dr. Chung-Chi Chao is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Chao manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Chao manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.
- 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.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Chao manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.
- 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.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Chao 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 at this major hospital in North Vancouver is situated conveniently within the hospital campus, easily accessible via local public transit serving the hospital. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available and designated spots for emergency access. Follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective treatment for all emergency needs.
- 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. Chao, 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Chao 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. Chao, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Chao?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Chao in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Chao 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. Chao, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Chao?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Chao, 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 an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, Dr. Chao 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.
- When should I see Dr. Chao in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Chao 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.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Chao 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. Chao 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.
231 15TH St E, Lions Gate Hospital ICU
North Vancouver, BC V7L 2L7
Hospital Main Line: (604) 988-3131
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Chao is a licensed Emergency and Critical Care Physician 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. Chao or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Chao's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338642/Chao%2CChung-Chi