Dr. Hyun Choi – Emergency Room Doctor | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Hyun Choi 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 New Westminster, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Choi's role involves 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 graduated with an MD from the University of London in 2004 and has completed extensive postgraduate training. Dr. Choi holds the specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC), which signifies his advanced training and expertise in emergency medicine. He has obtained all necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in British Columbia, including relevant ACLS, ATLS, and PALS certifications, ensuring he remains current with the latest protocols and best practices.

Dr. Choi's professional philosophy centers on providing rapid, accurate assessments in critical situations while ensuring compassionate care under pressure. He values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His dedication is to prioritize patient safety, advocate for patient needs in acute settings, and deliver emergency care in English. He is committed to serving the community of New Westminster with professionalism, empathy, and clinical excellence.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Choi manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Choi manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Interventions may include observation for small pneumothoraces, needle aspiration for symptomatic relief, or chest tube (thoracostomy) insertion for larger or tension pneumothoraces.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.
• 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.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Choi manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

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

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.

• 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).
• 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.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• 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.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Choi 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 at the hospital in New Westminster is situated in the Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood, providing accessible and timely care for urgent health issues. It is conveniently located near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, with accessible transit options including TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The hospital campus offers ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER serves as a critical access point for the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to manage a wide range of emergencies. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring equitable care for everyone in need.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Choi 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. Choi works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Choi, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

Dr. Choi 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?

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. Choi 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?

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. Choi, 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.

330 Columbia St E, Royal Columbian Hospital, Emergency Department
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Hospital Main Line: (902) 565-4657

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Choi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373966/Choi%2CHyun