Dr. Tara Lies Stratton – Emergency Room Doctor | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Tara Lies Stratton 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 Kelowna, BC, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that her practice aligns with rigorous professional guidelines. Dr. Stratton’s role involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. Her focus is on 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 urgent and life-threatening care, with patients seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process.

She graduated with an MD from McMaster University in 2017 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC). Dr. Stratton has completed extensive post-graduate training and possesses the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. Her credentials affirm her expertise and dedication to providing the highest standard of emergency medical care.

Dr. Stratton’s professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Her dedication is focused on delivering exceptional emergency care to the community of Kelowna, and she delivers all services in English.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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.
• 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.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Stratton manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Stratton manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
• 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.

• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• 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.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• 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. Stratton 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 Kelowna is situated in the Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, Downtown neighborhood. It is conveniently accessible from Mission Creek Regional Park and is well-connected via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Patients can follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and offers comprehensive hospital services integrated with emergency care to ensure timely and effective treatment for all urgent health needs.

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

Dr. Stratton 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.

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

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

To help Dr. Stratton 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. Stratton?

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Stratton, 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.

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

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

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Stratton 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. Stratton 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.

2268 Pandosy St, Emergency Department
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2

Hospital Main Line: (250) 862-4000

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Stratton's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/357004/Stratton%2CTara