About
Dr. Peter Kwan is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Lethbridge, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Kwan specializes in the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. 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.
He completed his medical education with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1994. He has undergone extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His certifications include the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) subspecialty certification in Emergency Medicine, reflecting his specialized training and commitment to emergency care excellence.
Dr. Kwan’s 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. He adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols to ensure optimal patient safety and outcomes. Dedicated to serving the community of Lethbridge, he is committed to delivering emergency care in English, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for his patients' needs in urgent settings.
Dr. Peter Kwan is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Kwan manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.
- 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.
- 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.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Kwan manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Kwan manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.
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.
- 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: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Kwan 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 Lethbridge is situated in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood, conveniently accessible from Henderson Lake Park. It is easily reachable via Lethbridge Transit, with accessible pathways and parking facilities. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access; please follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating comprehensive hospital services to support patient needs effectively.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan 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.
- 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. Kwan 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.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Kwan 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. Kwan 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. Kwan in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Kwan 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?
- 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. Kwan as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
960 19 St S, Chinook Regional Hospital
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Hospital Main Line: (403) 388-6111
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Kwan is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) 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. Kwan or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Kwan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b077cb00-c30e-4ac1-a678-34882b690362&i=802