Dr. Jeffrey Michael Stewart Bishop – Emergency Room Doctor | Victoria, BC

Dr. Jeffrey Michael Stewart Bishop is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Victoria, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), Dr. Bishop focuses on rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families. He also brings expertise in critical care medicine, enhancing the management of severely ill patients in the ER. The Pediatric Emergency Department is specially equipped and staffed to care for acutely ill and injured children and adolescents, operating 24/7. Care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Dr. Bishop graduated with his MD from the University of British Columbia in 2004. He holds specialty certification as a Pediatric Emergency Physician and has completed extensive post-graduate training, ensuring he possesses the necessary credentials to practice in British Columbia. His certifications include advanced pediatric airway management, resuscitation protocols, and trauma care, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of emergency pediatric medicine.

His professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Bishop adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. He is dedicated to delivering family-centered pediatric emergency care, minimizing distress for children and their families during emergencies. Dr. Bishop delivers emergency care fluently in English, ensuring clear communication with patients and families.

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

Specific Pediatric Emergencies

Dr. Bishop manages managing urgent medical problems specific to the pediatric population, often involving rapid changes in clinical status and the need for age-and-weight-appropriate interventions.

• Accidental Ingestions and Poisonings in Children: Careful monitoring for signs of toxicity and systemic effects.
• Febrile Seizures in Children: Providing reassurance and education to parents regarding the generally benign nature of simple febrile seizures and management of fever.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Urgent management of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) associated with evidence of acute or ongoing end-organ damage (e.g., encephalopathy, stroke, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury).
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• 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.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.

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.

• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Care for Pediatric Trauma and Injuries: Coordinating effectively with pediatric surgical subspecialties (e.g., orthopedics, neurosurgery) and trauma teams for children with significant injuries.
• Pediatric Resuscitation (PALS/APLS): Demonstrating expertise in pediatric airway management (including age-appropriate equipment), vascular access techniques (including intraosseous), and accurate medication dosing in emergency pediatric scenarios.
• Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies: Providing appropriate supportive care, timely medication administration (e.g., nebulizers, antipyretics), and clear, actionable parental education for common pediatric illnesses.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Bishop 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 Victoria is situated in the area surrounding the main hospital in Victoria's downtown neighborhood. It is conveniently accessible from major transit routes via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The hospital is located near the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Arena), making it easy for visitors to find. The ER entrance is clearly marked, and hospital signage guides patients to designated drop-off zones and parking areas. The hospital parking lot includes designated spots for emergency access, with clear instructions for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department operates as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, offering comprehensive hospital services in a fully accessible facility. It is an essential resource for residents requiring urgent pediatric and adult medical attention, serving as a vital component of Victoria’s healthcare infrastructure.

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. Bishop 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.

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

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

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

Dr. Bishop, as a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children, 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.

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

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. Bishop, 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Bishop 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. Bishop 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.

Does the Emergency Room where Dr. Bishop works provide specialized care for children?

Yes, Dr. Bishop is a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children. with specialized training and expertise in treating infants, children, and adolescents in emergency situations. The Emergency Department is equipped with pediatric-specific medical equipment and resources, and the staff are experienced in addressing the unique physiological and emotional needs of young patients.

1 Hospital Way, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Victoria General Hospital
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5

Hospital Main Line: (250) 727-4186

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Bishop is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician 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. Bishop or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Bishop's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328055/Bishop%2CJeffrey