Dr. Elizabeth Boctor – Emergency Room Doctor | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Elizabeth Boctor is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Burnaby, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She 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. Boctor graduated with an MD from Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar in 2017. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Her extensive training and ongoing education ensure she remains current with the latest practices and protocols in emergency medicine, enabling her to provide the highest standard of care in urgent situations.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Boctor adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols and prioritizes patient safety and advocacy in all her interactions. She is dedicated to delivering compassionate, efficient, and expert emergency care to the community of Burnaby, communicating clearly and reassuringly in English to help patients feel safe and well-informed during their emergency visits.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Boctor manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Boctor manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
• 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.
• 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.

• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Administering tetanus prophylaxis and appropriate antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Initial clinical and radiological assessment, effective pain control, and appropriate immobilization (splinting, casting, or slings) of suspected or confirmed bone fractures and joint dislocations.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Boctor 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 Burnaby is situated in the Metrotown Area, within Burnaby South neighborhood. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care for residents of Burnaby and surrounding communities. The department is conveniently accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo and Millennium Lines) and bus services. The hospital provides ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access, and clear signage directs patients for ER drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department operates 24/7, serving as a vital resource for immediate care in urgent and life-threatening situations, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support patient recovery and stabilization.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Boctor, 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. Boctor in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Boctor and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.

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. Boctor 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Boctor 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. Boctor 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. Boctor 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. Boctor and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

3935 Kincaid St, Emergency Department
Burnaby, BC V5G 2X6

Hospital Main Line: (604) 434-4211

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Boctor is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Boctor or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Boctor's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/383125/Boctor%2CElizabeth