Dr. Thomas Andrew John Winter 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 Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He is dedicated to providing prompt, compassionate, and effective emergency care in accordance with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Winter specializes 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. 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 has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in BC. Dr. Winter graduated with his MD from the University of Manitoba in 2015 and has since dedicated his career to emergency medicine. His training and certifications ensure he is well-equipped to handle the complexities and demands of emergency care, providing safe and effective treatment under pressure.
Dr. Winter’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, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for his patients' needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the Vancouver community with dedication and integrity.
Dr. Thomas Winter is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Winter manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Winter manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Identifying and managing potential complications of PE, such as right heart strain.
- 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. Winter manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
- 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: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
- 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. Winter 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 Vancouver's Fairview neighbourhood is situated within a modern hospital facility that provides comprehensive urgent and emergency care services. Conveniently accessible via the Commercial Corridor, the department is well-connected through TransLink services, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station). The hospital’s emergency access is clearly marked with signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, ensuring prompt entry for urgent cases. The ER is a critical access point for the community, offering 24/7 care in a high-acuity environment, and is integrated with the full spectrum of hospital services to support patient needs.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Winter?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Winter 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. Winter in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Winter 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. Winter?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Winter, a an Emergency Physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, specializing in acute care., is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Winter practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Winter, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Winter, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Winter 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. Winter 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.
920 10TH Ave W
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
Hospital Main Line: (604) 875-4111
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Winter 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. Winter or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Winter's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/369624/Winter%2CThomas