Dr. Verna Lisa Krisik is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Edmonton, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Krisik's role encompasses rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. She is skilled in 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, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions as determined through triage.
Dr. Krisik graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2000. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive postgraduate training. She maintains all necessary certifications required to practice emergency medicine in Alberta, ensuring adherence to current clinical standards and best practices.
Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Krisik is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the Edmonton community with professionalism and compassion.
Dr. Verna Krisik is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Krisik manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- 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: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Krisik manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Krisik manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.
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.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Performing closed reduction of simple dislocations, often under procedural sedation, to restore anatomical alignment.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Krisik 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.
The Emergency Department in Edmonton's NE: Clareview, Belmont, Kernohan neighborhood is a vital healthcare facility serving the community with comprehensive urgent medical services. Situated close to the ICE District, the department is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. This high-acuity care environment is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent health issues, functioning as a critical access point within the community and integrating seamlessly with hospital-wide services to ensure timely and effective patient care.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Krisik works?
- To help Dr. Krisik 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Krisik 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. Krisik, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- When should I see Dr. Krisik in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Krisik 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 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. Krisik, 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 is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Krisik?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Krisik, a trained emergency physician, is to care for patients with acute medical problems requiring immediate attention. She is an expert in quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing various emergency procedures. Her scope includes managing severe trauma, cardiac arrests, and less critical but urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and directed toward appropriate follow-up care.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Krisik?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is essential for ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Krisik, a report of your visit is typically forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up or medication adjustments are needed. Please ensure the ER registration staff have your correct family doctor contact details to facilitate this communication.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Krisik practices, utilize a triage system. Patients are prioritized based on the severity of their condition rather than arrival time. Critical cases like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma are seen immediately, while less urgent cases may experience longer wait times, especially during peak periods. This system ensures that those with the most urgent needs are attended to promptly, with the entire ER team, including Dr. Krisik, working diligently to deliver timely care to all patients.
14007 50 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5A 5E4
Hospital Main Line: (780) 342-4056
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Krisik is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Krisik or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Krisik's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=0e309055-9fe2-4555-b48a-2c15b2fd423e&i=789