Dr. Zoe Kristina McGowan – Emergency Room Doctor | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Zoe Kristina McGowan 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 Burnaby, 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). Dr. McGowan’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. 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 critical care for urgent and life-threatening conditions, prioritizing patients based on the severity of their presentation through a triage process.

Dr. McGowan graduated with her medical degree (MB BCh BAO) from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2013. She has completed extensive postgraduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (FRCPC) in British Columbia. Her certifications include comprehensive training in emergency medicine, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle the complexities of urgent care in a high-acuity setting.

Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring patient safety at all times. She values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. Dr. McGowan is dedicated to serving the community of Burnaby by delivering timely, effective, and compassionate emergency care, always prioritizing the well-being of her patients. She delivers her care confidently in English, ensuring clear communication with patients and colleagues alike.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. McGowan manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. McGowan manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
• COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. McGowan manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• 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.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Leading or playing a key role in the initial resuscitation, assessment, and stabilization of patients who have sustained multiple severe injuries (polytrauma).

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: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. McGowan 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 Burnaby's Metrotown Area, situated in Burnaby South, serves as a vital access point for urgent medical care within the community. Located near the bustling Metropolis at Metrotown shopping centre, the department is easily accessible via TransLink services, including SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines, as well as multiple bus routes. The hospital provides ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access, and clear signage guiding patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER is a high-acuity care environment, fully equipped to handle a broad spectrum of urgent health issues, and integrates seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to deliver timely, critical care to those in need.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. McGowan 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?

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

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

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

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

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

To help Dr. McGowan 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. McGowan 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. McGowan 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.

3825 Sunset St
Burnaby, BC V5G 1T4

Hospital Main Line: (604) 434-4211

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. McGowan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/336725/McGowan%2CZoe