Dr. Gary Lee – Emergency Room Doctor | Montréal, QC

Dr. Gary Lee is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital Général de Montréal, Emergency Department in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Lee'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. He is skilled in 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 urgent care, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions as determined by a triage process.

He holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 31 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1993. Dr. Lee has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Québec, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient safety.

Dr. Lee's professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessments in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs during urgent care encounters. Fluent in French, Dr. Lee offers compassionate emergency medical services to the Montréal community, ensuring clear communication and reassurance for all patients.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Lee manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
• 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.

• 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: Managing acute flare-ups of chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, diabetes (e.g., DKA, HHS), or sickle cell crisis.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing therapeutic lumbar puncture in specific situations such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Lee 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Hôpital Général de Montréal, Emergency Department is situated in Montréal's Ville-Marie West (Golden Square Mile West, Concordia U area) neighborhood. The hospital is easily accessible via public transportation, including Société de transport de Montréal (STM) services such as Métro and Bus lines. The Emergency Department is integrated within the hospital complex, which is fully accessible to all patients. The facility is located near Chinatown, making it convenient for diverse community access. Hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Patients are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking, ensuring quick and safe access to emergency services. The Emergency Department is a critical access point for urgent medical care, serving as a hub for the community's immediate health needs and connected to comprehensive hospital services.

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. Lee 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.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Lee 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Lee 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. Lee and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

A2.101.2-1650 Av Cedar - ED Doctor's Mailroom
Montréal, QC H3G 1A4

Hospital Main Line: (514) 934-1934

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Lee is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Lee or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Lee's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=93309