Dr. Natalie Choo – Emergency Room Doctor | Strathmore, AB

Dr. Natalie Choo 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 Strathmore, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Choo'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. Choo graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Antigua and Barbuda in 2009. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training. She possesses the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta, ensuring her expertise aligns with provincial standards and best practices.

Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Choo is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care in English and is committed to serving the community of Strathmore with a calm, competent, and patient-centered approach.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Choo manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• 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. Choo manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Aggressive and protocol-driven management of severe asthma attacks, including frequent administration of inhaled bronchodilators (beta-agonists and anticholinergics), systemic corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Choo manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• 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: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.

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.

• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Skilled insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) for indications such as rapid fluid resuscitation, administration of vasoactive medications, or hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Careful monitoring of patients undergoing procedural sedation for interventions such as fracture reductions, large abscess drainage, or electrical cardioversion.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care and follow-up appointments.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Emergency placement of a chest tube (thoracostomy tube) to evacuate air (pneumothorax) or fluid (hemothorax, pleural effusion, empyema) from the pleural space.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Choo 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 Strathmore is situated within a major hospital in Strathmore’s community neighborhood. It is conveniently accessible from the hospital campus and is served by local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach the facility. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing visitors from the main entrances to the ER. Ample hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access, and visitors are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to support patient needs across a broad spectrum of health conditions.

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

Dr. Choo 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.

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

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

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

To help Dr. Choo 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?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Choo and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

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. Choo as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Choo, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

Strathmore District Health Services, 200 Brent Blvd
Strathmore, AB T1P 1J9

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Choo's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=56167749-770b-48a6-a5c2-6419d8293662&i=290