About
Dr. Lap Kei Connie Tung is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hamilton Health Sciences in Richmond Hill, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Tung 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.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 7 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2017, Dr. Tung is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and experience enable her to deliver expert emergency care tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Tung's professional philosophy is centered on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She is dedicated to providing the community of Richmond Hill with reliable, timely, and empathetic emergency care. She delivers emergency services fluently in English.
Dr. Lap Tung is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Tung manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.
- 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: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Tung manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- 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): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
- COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Tung 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: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).
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.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Providing analgesia and monitoring for complications post-procedure.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Careful monitoring of patients undergoing procedural sedation for interventions such as fracture reductions, large abscess drainage, or electrical cardioversion.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), including symptom assessment and providing patient education on cognitive/physical rest, recovery, and graduated return-to-activity/play.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Tung 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
Hamilton Health Sciences, located in Richmond Hill's Central Richmond Hill, Mill Pond neighborhood, offers a modern, fully accessible Emergency Department designed to provide urgent medical care to the community. The facility is conveniently accessible via the Richmond Hill Centre Terminal and is well-connected through York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The hospital's ER is open 24/7, with ample parking including designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. As a critical access point for urgent care, the Emergency Department integrates seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services, ensuring timely and effective treatment for all patients in need.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Tung 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. Tung and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Tung?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Tung 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 see Dr. Tung in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Tung 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. Tung 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. Tung?
- Dr. Tung, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., 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.
Hamilton Health Sciences
10 Trench Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3
Hospital Main Line: (905) 883-1212
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Tung is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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. Tung or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Tung's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tung-Lap-Kei-Connie/0274482-95564