About
Dr. David Camilo Pinzon-Choconta is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Edmonton, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that all care provided meets rigorous professional guidelines. Dr. Pinzon-Choconta specializes 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.
He has completed extensive medical education and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. Graduating with a Medico Cirujano (Surgeon) degree from Colombia in 2010, Dr. Pinzon-Choconta has pursued specialized postgraduate training in emergency medicine. His certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine reflects his dedication to maintaining high standards of practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Pinzon-Choconta's professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care even under pressure, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. He emphasizes effective communication, adherence to evidence-based protocols, and prioritizes patient safety at all times. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in emergency situations, ensuring clarity and reassurance for all patients and their families.
Dr. David Pinzon-Choconta is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Pinzon-Choconta manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
- 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): Determining the need for further imaging or specialist follow-up based on the severity and nature of the injury.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Pinzon-Choconta 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): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Pinzon-Choconta manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- COPD Exacerbation: Management of acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by increased dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, often requiring bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
- 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: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
- 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. Pinzon-Choconta 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 Alberta (CPSA) 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 Edmonton's Downtown West, Oliver neighborhood, is situated within a modern hospital facility designed to provide comprehensive urgent care. The department is conveniently accessible, located near Rogers Place (nearby), with easy access via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. The hospital campus offers ample parking with designated spots for emergency access, clearly marked with hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER is fully accessible to all patients, serving as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and seamlessly integrated with the hospital's broader medical services. Patients arriving by car or public transit will find the department well-equipped to meet their urgent needs in a timely and efficient manner.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Pinzon-Choconta works?
- If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Pinzon-Choconta and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Pinzon-Choconta?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Pinzon-Choconta, 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 Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, Dr. Pinzon-Choconta 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Pinzon-Choconta 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. Pinzon-Choconta 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?
- 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. Pinzon-Choconta 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.
- 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. Pinzon-Choconta as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
9808 103 St NW, 903
Edmonton, AB T5K 2G4
Hospital Main Line: (780) 914-7833
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Pinzon-Choconta is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Pinzon-Choconta or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Pinzon-Choconta's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=8e6f1d65-1f7d-4be0-adf6-0fe637e2d99b&i=1162