Dr. Paola Camorlinga – Emergency Room Doctor | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Paola Camorlinga 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 New Westminster, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. The department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care, with patients seen based on the severity of their condition following a triage process. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that every patient receives safe, timely, and effective treatment in a high-acuity environment.

Dr. Camorlinga graduated with her MD from the University of Manitoba in 2015. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. Her certification signifies her specialized training and competence in managing acute care situations, including critical and life-threatening conditions commonly encountered in the emergency setting.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. She emphasizes adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in urgent and complex scenarios. Dr. Camorlinga is dedicated to serving the community of New Westminster through high standards of emergency care, delivered with calm expertise and a focus on patient well-being. She communicates fluently in English and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and compassion in her practice.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.
• 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. Camorlinga manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Camorlinga 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.

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Assessment and management of bruises (contusions), collections of blood in tissues (hematomas), and ligamentous sprains or muscle/tendon strains.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Administration of tetanus prophylaxis and consideration of antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection, along with detailed wound care instructions.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.

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.

• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Camorlinga 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 New Westminster's Uptown, Massey Victory Heights neighborhood, provides urgent medical care in a modern, accessible facility. Situated close to Historic Downtown New Westminster, it is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus). The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Patients are directed to follow hospital signage for ER drop-off and parking. The department plays a vital role as a critical access point for urgent care within the community, integrating comprehensive hospital services to address a wide range of medical emergencies.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Camorlinga 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. Camorlinga in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Camorlinga 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. Camorlinga?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Camorlinga, 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. Camorlinga 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.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Camorlinga and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Camorlinga 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. Camorlinga, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

330 COLUMBIA E ST
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Hospital Main Line: (604) 520-4253

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Camorlinga's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/354979/Camorlinga%2CPaola