Dr. Rajan Minhas – Emergency Room Doctor | Abbotsford, BC

Dr. Rajan Minhas 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 Abbotsford, BC, he 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 as determined by a triage process. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring safe, effective, and evidence-based emergency care.

He 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. His professional practice emphasizes patient safety, compassionate care under pressure, and efficient teamwork within a multidisciplinary emergency team.

Dr. Minhas graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in 2015. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC. His key certifications include certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, with a focus on emergency medicine. He is dedicated to continuous professional development and staying current with the latest evidence-based practices in emergency care.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Minhas manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.
• 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 Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Minhas manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
• 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. Minhas 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): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.
• 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.

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.

• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Minhas 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 Abbotsford is situated in the Central Abbotsford, Mill Lake Area neighbourhood. It is conveniently located near major shopping centres, including Costco, and is accessible via the Central Fraser Valley Transit System (BC Transit). The hospital provides ample parking with designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The Emergency Department is a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, serving as a gateway to comprehensive hospital services. It is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring equitable care regardless of mobility needs. The facility is equipped to handle a high volume of patients with diverse medical emergencies, providing swift, expert care in a modern, well-equipped environment.

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. Minhas 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. Minhas works?

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Minhas 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. Minhas 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. Minhas, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

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

Dr. Minhas 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.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Minhas?

Dr. Minhas, as a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.

32900 Marshall Rd, Abbotsford Regional Hospital
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C2

Hospital Main Line: (604) 851-4700

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Minhas's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/340897/Minhas%2CRajan