Dr. William Roy Henderson – Emergency Room Doctor | Vancouver, BC

Dr. William Roy Henderson 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. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Henderson 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 graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1997 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC). Dr. Henderson has completed extensive postgraduate training and maintains the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician in British Columbia, including current ACLS, ATLS, and PALS certifications. His professional development is ongoing, ensuring he remains current with the latest evidence-based practices in emergency medicine.

Dr. Henderson’s professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care even under pressure. He values effective teamwork and clear communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His dedication to patient safety and advocacy ensures that each individual receives timely and appropriate care, with a focus on minimizing harm and optimizing outcomes. He delivers emergency care fluently in English, committed to serving the diverse community of Vancouver with professionalism and compassion.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Henderson manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Henderson manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
• 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): 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.

• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• 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.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Performing swift medical evaluations in the emergency setting to quickly ascertain the nature and severity of a patient's condition.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• 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. Henderson 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 major hospital facility, offering comprehensive and immediate medical services. Located conveniently near Downtown Entertainment District, it is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). The hospital provides ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The Emergency Department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, seamlessly integrated with a full range of hospital services to support patient needs around the clock.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Henderson?

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Henderson, 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Henderson 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. Henderson 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.

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

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Henderson 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?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Henderson and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Henderson, 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.

855 West 12th Ave, ICU2, JPPN 2nd Floor, Rm 2438, Critical Care Medicine
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Hospital Main Line: (604) 875-5949

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Henderson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313237/Henderson%2CWilliam