About
Dr. Kendra Young 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 Calgary, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that her practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Young'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.
Dr. Young graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 2018. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training, acquiring the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. Her education and training ensure she is well-equipped to handle the complexities of emergency medicine, providing a high standard of care to her patients.
Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Young is committed to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She dedicates herself to providing accessible, timely, and high-quality emergency care to the community of Calgary. She delivers emergency care in English, ensuring clear communication with her patients and their families.
Dr. Kendra Young is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Young manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Coordination of immediate transfer to a facility with cardiothoracic surgical capabilities if necessary.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Young manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.
- 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).
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Young manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
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: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Confirming tube placement and lung re-expansion with imaging.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
- 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.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Young 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 Alberta (CPSA) 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 Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood is a modern, fully equipped facility dedicated to urgent and emergent care. Situated close to SAIT, it is easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The hospital provides ample parking with designated spots for emergency access, clearly marked and accessible to all patients. The ER operates 24/7, serving as a critical access point for the community, and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient care. The hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off points and parking facilities, ensuring efficient and safe access for all visitors.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Young?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Young 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.
- 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. Young 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Young?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Young, a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Young works?
- To help Dr. Young and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.
- When should I see Dr. Young in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Young 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Young 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. Young and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Young as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Hospital Main Line: (403) 944-1110
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Young is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Young or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Young's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=abd22a69-ffd8-48b7-8d91-4d9e7b5d289e&i=1599