Dr. Derek See-Sing Chan – Emergency Room Doctor | St. Albert, AB

Dr. Derek See-Sing Chan 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 St. Albert, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA) to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered care. Dr. Chan 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 post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His medical education includes graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Australia in 2016. Dr. Chan is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that his practice is aligned with the latest evidence-based emergency medicine protocols and guidelines.

Dr. Chan’s professional philosophy centers on rapid, accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs during acute episodes, and strives to deliver timely, high-quality emergency care in English. His commitment is to serve the community of St. Albert with professionalism, empathy, and a focus on optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Derek Chan 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. Chan 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: Providing appropriate analgesia and ensuring follow-up for wound checks or suture removal.
• 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. Chan manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• 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.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Chan manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.

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: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• 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.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
• 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. Chan 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 St. Albert's St. Albert City neighborhood is conveniently situated adjacent to The Enjoy Centre, easily accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. Hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Patients are directed by hospital signage to ER patient drop-off and parking areas. The ER functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services, and operates 24/7 to address urgent and life-threatening conditions.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Chan 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. Chan 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. Chan 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Chan and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Chan, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Chan 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. Chan and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

201 Boudreau Rd
St. Albert, AB T8N 6C4

Hospital Main Line: (780) 418-8200

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Chan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b26f231d-d283-4bf4-a6db-b4e846f2491a&i=258