Dr. Hoi Yan Vivian Lee – Emergency Room Doctor | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Hoi Yan Vivian Lee is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), 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. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Lee 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.

She graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2011 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC). Dr. Lee has completed extensive post-graduate training and maintains the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in British Columbia, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle the complexities of acute care.

Dr. Lee's professional philosophy is centered on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure. She emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and prioritizes patient safety. Her dedication is to deliver comprehensive emergency care to the Burnaby community, communicating fluently in English and advocating for her patients' needs in urgent settings.

Dr. Hoi 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.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• 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.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Lee 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.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
• 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.

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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• 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: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.

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 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's Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood, is situated within a modern hospital facility easily accessible via public transit and car. The hospital is conveniently located near Central Park Access, with accessible options through TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). The hospital parking lot offers designated spots for emergency access, with clear signage directing ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER operates 24/7 as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring timely and equitable care for everyone who visits.

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.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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.

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?

Dr. Lee 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.

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. Lee, 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.

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

Dr. Lee, as a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Lee, 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.

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

Hospital Main Line: (604) 434-4211

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Lee is a licensed Emergency Physician (FRCPC) 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. Lee or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Lee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332404/Lee%2CHoi%20Yan