Dr. Krystyna Zofia Samoraj – Emergency Room Doctor | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Krystyna Zofia Samoraj 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 Edmonton, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that all care provided meets rigorous professional guidelines. She is skilled 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.

Dr. Samoraj graduated with a Lekarz Medycyny degree from Poland and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle complex emergency cases with expertise and confidence.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is dedicated to patient safety, prioritizing urgent needs, and advocating for her patients in acute settings. Additionally, Dr. Samoraj communicates fluently in Polish and English, enabling her to serve a diverse patient population efficiently and with empathy.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Samoraj manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
• 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 Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Samoraj manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.
• COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Samoraj manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.
• 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.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.

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.

• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Administering tetanus prophylaxis and appropriate antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Comprehensive evaluation of patients with head trauma, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale) and adherence to clinical decision rules for CT imaging.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Samoraj 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 Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood is a vital healthcare facility dedicated to providing urgent medical care. Located near the Neon Sign Museum, the ER is accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. The hospital’s ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient care around the clock.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Samoraj, 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Samoraj works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Samoraj and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.

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

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

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

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. Samoraj 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. Samoraj, 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.

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

Dr. Samoraj 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.

10240 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

Hospital Main Line: (780) 735-4111

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Samoraj's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=52e3e6c7-7371-48c6-b194-fd401ddcb380&i=1272