About
Dr. Travis Michael Cadieu is an experienced Emergency Physician (FRCPC), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at VGH & UBC Hospital in Surrey, BC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide urgent and life-threatening care. Dr. Cadieu adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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.
He completed his medical education at the University of British Columbia, earning his MD in 2002. He has obtained specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) after extensive postgraduate training and rigorous assessment, ensuring he meets the high standards required for practice in British Columbia. His certifications and ongoing professional development reflect his dedication to maintaining excellence in emergency medicine.
Dr. Cadieu’s professional philosophy revolves around providing rapid, accurate, and compassionate care in critical situations. He emphasizes effective teamwork, clear communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, and adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His focus is always on patient safety, advocating for patient needs in high-pressure environments, and delivering compassionate, efficient care to the community of Surrey. He provides emergency care fluently in English, ensuring effective communication with patients and colleagues alike.
Dr. Travis Cadieu is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Cadieu manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- 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.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Cadieu manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.
- COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Cadieu manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- 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: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
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.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
- 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.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Cadieu 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.
VGH & UBC Hospital is located in Surrey's West Newton, Strawberry Hill neighborhood. It is easily accessible via the nearby Langley Border and well-connected through TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and bus routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. Ample hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. The facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating comprehensive hospital services to support patient needs in times of emergency.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Cadieu works?
- To help Dr. Cadieu 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.
- When should I see Dr. Cadieu in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Cadieu 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.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Cadieu 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. Cadieu, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Cadieu?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Cadieu, 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Cadieu 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. Cadieu 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Cadieu?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Cadieu, 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. Cadieu 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.
- 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. Cadieu, 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.
VGH & UBC Hospital
13750 96 Ave, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Doctor's Lounge Mailbox
Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2
Hospital Main Line: (604) 588-3369
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Cadieu 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. Cadieu or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Cadieu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327848/Cadieu%2CTravis