About
Dr. Richard Douglas Lee is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective patient care. Dr. Lee'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.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1991 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM). Dr. Lee also maintains key certifications including CCFP - Family Medicine, LMCC, FRCPC - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, and certification from the Canadian College of Family Physicians in Emergency Medicine. His extensive training and certifications reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of emergency medical practice.
Dr. Lee’s professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. Additionally, he communicates effectively in both English and French to serve Edmonton’s diverse patient population, ensuring clear understanding and compassionate care for all.
Dr. Richard Lee 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. Lee 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.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
- 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.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Lee 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.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Lee manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Ensuring adequate lung re-expansion and pain control.
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: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
- 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).
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Lee 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.
University of Alberta Hospital is situated in Edmonton's S Central area, specifically within the neighborhoods of University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park. The hospital is conveniently accessible from downtown Edmonton and is a vital healthcare hub for the community. It is located near the Government Centre, with accessible transportation options including Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) via LRT and bus routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, featuring dedicated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off points and parking facilities. The facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care, offering comprehensive hospital services within a high-acuity environment designed to address life-threatening and urgent health issues promptly and effectively.
- 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. Lee as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- When should I see Dr. Lee in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Lee 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. Lee?
- Dr. Lee, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Lee 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. Lee, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Lee works?
- To help Dr. Lee 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Lee?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Lee, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.
- 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. Lee 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.
University of Alberta Hospital
8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Hospital Main Line: (780) 407-8432
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Lee 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. Lee or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Lee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=77cb3efc-836a-46ea-b4cb-646af106a3cb&i=841