About
Dr. Marie-Pier Boucher is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis in Lévis, QC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Boucher 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 holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 8 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2016. Dr. Boucher has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Emergency Room Medicine in Quebec. Her certifications include advanced trauma life support, pediatric emergency care, and other relevant qualifications required for high-quality emergency services.
Dr. Boucher's professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and promoting effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is committed to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She provides emergency medical services in French, ensuring clear communication and compassionate care for the community of Lévis.
Dr. Marie-Pier Boucher is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Boucher manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- 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).
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Boucher manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.
- 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.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Boucher manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Effective initial pain management, timely closed reduction of simple joint dislocations (often under procedural sedation), and appropriate immobilization using splints, casts, or slings to protect the injured area.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Determining the need for further imaging or specialist follow-up based on the severity and nature of the injury.
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.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Meticulous cleaning, debridement, irrigation, and repair (suturing, stapling, or adhesive closure) of simple and complex cuts, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing diagnostic lumbar punctures to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the analysis and diagnosis of suspected central nervous system infections (meningitis, encephalitis), subarachnoid hemorrhage, or certain neurological conditions.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Boucher 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis is situated in the Lévis Centre, Lauzon neighborhood, offering accessible and comprehensive emergency services. The hospital is conveniently close to Historic Old Lévis, with easy access via the Société de transport de Lévis (STLévis). The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and features dedicated hospital parking with designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the hospital’s ER seamlessly integrates with other hospital services to provide comprehensive care to the Lévis community.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Boucher?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Boucher, 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. Boucher 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Boucher 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. Boucher 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. Boucher 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. Boucher 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.
- When should I see Dr. Boucher in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Boucher practices, is designed for urgent and emergency situations—conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Your family doctor, on the other hand, provides comprehensive primary care, including treatment for common illnesses, management of long-term health conditions, immunizations, and preventative screening. For problems that are not immediate emergencies, your family doctor can provide more personalized and continuous care. If you have a non-urgent issue, the ER may involve a long wait.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Boucher?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Boucher, a trained emergency physician, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. She is an expert at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. She manages 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.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis
143 rue Wolfe
Lévis, QC G6V 3Z1
Hospital Main Line: (418) 835-7121
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Boucher is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Boucher or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Boucher's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=16457