Dr. Lisa Tai-Ling Ying – Emergency Room Doctor | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Lisa Tai-Ling Ying 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 Vancouver, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical practices established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Ying’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.

She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC. Dr. Ying graduated with her MD from the University of British Columbia in 2018. Her medical education and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices in emergency medicine. She maintains her certification through continuous learning, professional seminars, and adherence to the highest standards of emergency care.

Dr. Ying’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring patient safety at all times. She values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, working collaboratively with nurses, technicians, and specialists to deliver comprehensive care. Her dedication is rooted in a commitment to serving the Vancouver community by offering timely, evidence-based emergency care in English, while prioritizing patient needs and advocating for optimal outcomes in every case.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.
• 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.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• 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.
• 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.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Ying manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
• 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).
• 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.

• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
• 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.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Ying 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 Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood is situated within a major hospital facility, easily accessible from Stanley Park Entrance. It is conveniently reachable via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). The hospital parking includes designated spots for emergency access, with clear signage guiding ER patient drop-off and parking facilities. The department operates 24/7, serving as a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to provide holistic care for acute conditions.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Ying 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. Ying 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 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. Ying, 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. Ying in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Ying 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.

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

To help Dr. Ying 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Ying practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Ying, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Ying, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., Dr. Ying is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

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

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

920 10TH Ave W, G207 JP North, Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Hospital Main Line: (604) 875-4855

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Ying's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/345783/Ying%2CLisa%20Tai-Ling