About
Dr. Nicole Andrea Tenn-Lyn 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 Richmond Hill, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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. Tenn-Lyn graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. With over 19 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2005, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a calm, competent approach to urgent care. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), demonstrating her advanced training and qualification in emergency medicine.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Tenn-Lyn adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive, timely, and compassionate emergency care to the community of Richmond Hill, delivering services exclusively in English.
Dr. Nicole Tenn-Lyn is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Tenn-Lyn manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.
- COPD Exacerbation: Management of acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by increased dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, often requiring bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Tenn-Lyn manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.
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: Coordinating the multidisciplinary trauma team response in major injury cases to ensure comprehensive and efficient care.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
- 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.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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.
The Emergency Department in Richmond Hill is situated in the Oak Ridges, Lake Wilcox neighbourhood, conveniently accessible within the community. It is located near the Hillcrest Mall Area, with accessible public transportation options including York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, featuring designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the ER integrates seamlessly with the hospital's comprehensive services, providing round-the-clock care for urgent and life-threatening conditions in a high-acuity environment.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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. Tenn-Lyn 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.
- When should I see Dr. Tenn-Lyn in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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 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. Tenn-Lyn, 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Tenn-Lyn?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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. Tenn-Lyn works?
- To help Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Tenn-Lyn?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Tenn-Lyn, a trained Emergency Room 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.
13291 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4E 4L6
Hospital Main Line: (905) 773-7759
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Tenn-Lyn 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. Tenn-Lyn or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Tenn-Lyn's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/TennLyn-Nicole-Andrea/0169383-74908