News Archive

Our community at the Department of Emergency Medicine continues to feel the profound impact of Dr. Jill McEwen, who left us in 2024. As a prominent clinician and educator, Dr. McEwen inspired countless individuals through her role as a beloved mentor and advocate. Her dedication to empowering others in our field ignited a passion for emergency medicine that resonates with all of us.

In her honour, Dr. McEwen’s family established an award to support fourth-year medical students who embody her dedication and strive for excellence in emergency medicine. This award aims to inspire the next generation of leaders in our field.

About the Award:

• Annual Amount: Minimum of $5,000
• Number of Awards:1 to 2 available each year

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a fourth-year graduating medical student from the University of British Columbia (UBC).
• Nominations should be submitted by a faculty member who can highlight the student’s outstanding performance during their 4th year elective in British Columbia.
• Students must demonstrate a strong interest in emergency medicine, having completed a 4th year elective in EM at UBC and preferably matched to an EM Residency Program.
• Nominations will be evaluated based on qualitative and quantitative scores from the end-of-rotation elective evaluations.

This award is a heartfelt tribute to Dr. McEwen’s legacy and a meaningful opportunity to recognize students who embody her values and passion for emergency medicine. If you know a deserving fourth-year student who exemplifies these qualities, we encourage you to submit a nomination in their honour.

Application Deadline:

Please connect with Drs. Baljeet Brar and Daniel Ting, with the name of the student you’d like to nominate, by March 6, 2026. Only the student’s name is needed for nomination.

For further details on the nomination process, please don’t hesitate to contact Drs. Baljeet Brar and Daniel Ting.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. Jessica Moe to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure.

Dr. Moe leads a distinguished research program focused on developing and evaluating interventions for individuals who use substances. Her work is characterized by a commitment to addressing public health needs and enhancing clinical practices in emergency settings. By concentrating on the challenges faced by high-risk populations, Dr. Moe aims to integrate innovative clinical and public health strategies into acute care.

Among her pivotal projects is the Evaluating Microdosing in the Emergency Department (EMED) study. This multi-center, randomized controlled trial examines the effectiveness of emergency department-initiated buprenorphine/naloxone microdosing compared to standard dosing for patients with opioid use disorder. This research aims to improve individual outcomes and inform broader practices within emergency care.

Additionally, Dr. Moe served as the principal investigator for the Preventing Opioid Deaths due to COVID-Related Increase in Smoking Illicit Substances (Preventing OD CRISIS) study. This initiative has led to the development of a novel continuous pulse oximetry protocol, enhancing the monitoring of clients’ oxygen levels in real time while they use opioids at Overdose Prevention Services sites. These protocol advancements were vital in addressing the rising concerns surrounding safe monitoring of people who use opioids during the pandemic and continue to inform novel innovations in patient monitoring. Dr. Moe is currently expanding this work by examining novel use of capnography monitoring (CO2 levels) to increase safety of post-overdose monitoring.

Dr. Moe’s research also covers other critical areas, including integration and evaluation of Peer Support Workers to support people who use substances in emergency departments, evaluation of optimal naloxone dosing in the context of fentanyl and ultra-potent opioid overdoses, the standardization of emergency department screening for substance use disorders, and analysis of patient outcomes following opioid overdoses using provincial data. Her work is essential for building a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding substance use in emergency settings.

Dr. Moe was honoured with a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in the Emergency Response to the Opioid Overdose Crisis in 2024, highlighting her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field. Her research initiatives receive support from several reputable organizations, including the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Health Canada, the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health, and the University of British Columbia.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity, afforded by this promotion, to continue focusing on my work to improve care, experiences, and outcomes for people who use substances in emergency departments. I am enthusiastic to continuing to work with my team and many co-investigators and collaborators to expand on the exciting and rewarding initiatives and studies we are leading together.”

– Dr. Jessica Moe, DEM Associate Professor

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Moe on her promotion!

DEM researchers were awarded more than $3.8 million in combined funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant: Fall 2025 competition.

Dr. Sonya Cressman

Project Title: Transforming access to medications in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities: Implementing and evaluating virtual pharmacist care and drone delivery services

Funding amount: $680,852

This project aims to address the significant barriers that rural, remote, and Indigenous communities face in accessing medications. Patients in these areas often endure long travel distances and high costs, leading to missed treatments and increased stress. To improve access, the project combines virtual pharmacist consultations with drone-based medication delivery, enabling patients to receive care from home and have their medications transported directly to their communities.

Having piloted drone deliveries successfully in northern British Columbia, the team will now evaluate the effectiveness of this combined service in real-world settings. They are collaborating with Indigenous leaders, community members, and healthcare providers to assess whether this model reduces costs, improves medication adherence, and ensures culturally safe care. This innovative approach has the potential to transform medication access for underserved communities across Canada and beyond.

Dr. Jeffrey Brubacher

Project Title: Circumstances of Active Transport Injuries

Funding amount: $1,560,600

Active travel, including walking, biking, and the use of electric mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters, is an increasingly popular and environmentally friendly mode of transport. However, individuals engaging in these forms of active transport are vulnerable road users, facing a higher risk of serious injuries in the event of accidents. The Circumstances of Active Transport Injuries study aims to provide valuable insights for city and provincial transportation planners and traffic policy makers to enhance injury prevention strategies.

The research will involve recruiting 5,000 individuals who have suffered injuries while using active transportation methods across four Canadian cities. Participants will be surveyed to gather information about the circumstances surrounding their injuries, including the type of road, associated infrastructure, and the severity of their injuries. The findings will be shared with relevant organizations and governmental bodies to aid in the development of targeted prevention measures for active transport users.

Dr. Jeffrey Brubacher

Project Title: The Toxic Drug Study: Clinical and toxicological profiles of people with unregulated drug poisoning

Funding amount: $1,602,675

Unregulated drug poisoning has become Canada’s leading cause of years of life lost, claiming over 5,000 lives annually, with British Columbia experiencing the most severe impact since the declaration of a public health emergency in 2016. The unpredictable nature of the drug supply, characterized by fentanyl and new synthetic drugs, has created challenges for healthcare providers who often lack critical information on how these substances affect patients.

To address this gap, a study is being undertaken to link advanced toxicology testing with clinical data from 3,000 individuals treated in six hospitals across British Columbia for suspected drug poisoning. By analyzing leftover blood samples and collecting detailed patient information, the research aims to create a comprehensive understanding of harmful drug combinations. The findings will enhance emergency care, aid in public health surveillance, and empower communities by sharing crucial insights into drug-related risks.

We are excited to share that Dr. Xin Mei Liu has been appointed as the new Associate Program Director of the RCPSC-EM Residency Program at our Vancouver site!

Dr. Liu, currently serving as a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, brings extensive expertise in competency-based medical education, assessment, feedback, and program evaluation. She has completed the Clinical Educator Fellowship at the UBC Centre for Health Education Scholarship and is currently pursuing a Master of Health Professions Education at Maastricht University. Her knowledge perfectly aligns with our mission to foster excellence and create a supportive learning environment for our residents.

A recognized leader in ultrasound education, both locally and nationally, Dr. Liu has also conducted significant work on gender differences in trainee evaluations, encouraging essential discussions on assessment and feedback practices. She is passionately committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in medical education, along with meaningful efforts to decolonize our training environments.

In 2023, Dr. Liu was honored with the Canadian Association for Medical Education Rising Star Certificate of Excellence for her exceptional contributions to health professions education. Additionally, she received the Robert Maudsley Fellowship for Studies in Medical Education and the VCH Emergency Medicine Research Program salary award, supporting her current research on learner agency.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Liu to our team! We look forward to the valuable contributions she will bring and the positive impact she will make on our residency program and the broader community.

The Department of Emergency Medicine, in partnership with the Faculty of Applied Science, is hiring a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow, funded by the Canada Impact + Research Training Award (CITRA). This role will support the development and validation of an ultrasound-based patch device designed to monitor CPR quality during cardiac arrest interventions.

Under the CITRA, individuals eligible for this award must be currently:

• working or studying outside of Canada; and,
• not currently affiliated with a Canadian institution.
  

About the Project:

Sudden cardiac arrest is a critical public health issue affecting approximately 60,000 Canadians annually. Immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is essential when the heart stops, yet its effectiveness varies across individuals due to differences in body structure and anatomy. Approximately half of the patients may not receive adequate blood flow during CPR. Our mission is to enhance CPR efficacy for every patient consistently. We aim to develop a compact patch device capable of assessing whether CPR is effectively circulating blood from the heart.

This position will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team specializing in cardiac arrest outcomes, ultrasound technologies, and point-of-care ultrasound.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, your main duties will include:

• Prototype Development: Design and build motion-tolerant, low-power ultrasound transducer prototypes for medical applications.
• Signal Acquisition & Data Processing: Establish acquisition pipelines to capture vascular motion during CPR, implementing algorithms for precise blood flow measurement.
• Model Development & Validation: Collaborate with data scientists to create and validate models that distinguish between effective and ineffective CPR performance.
• Clinical Testing & Application: Work alongside clinical research teams to deploy prototype patches in real-world healthcare settings, ensuring usability and clinician acceptance.
• Knowledge Translation: Lead initiatives for publishing research findings, presenting at conferences, and developing intellectual property to advance medical ultrasound technology.

Qualifications:

We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Ultrasonics, Medical Imaging, Applied Physics, or related field
• Experience with imbedded hardware, signal processing, and programming
• Expertise in ultrasound transducer design and signal acquisition systems preferred.

Salary:

The expected salary for this position is $70,000 per annum.

Application Process:

If you are ready to apply, please prepare an application package that includes:

• A cover letter
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Contact information for referees

Submit your application to Dr. Brian Grunau via email at Brian.Grunau@ubc.ca with the subject line: “Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Ultrasound Patch Development.”

Timeline:

This position will remain open for applications until February 8, 2026, with candidates being interviewed as applications are submitted.

For any inquiries regarding this position, do not hesitate to reach out to Dr. Brian Grunau at Brian.Grunau@ubc.ca.

North Shore Rescue (NSR) has long been the backbone of wilderness emergency response on the North Shore, answering calls from steep backcountry terrain, dense forests, and unpredictable mountain weather. Their volunteers—more than 50 strong—respond year-round to hundreds of incidents, often far beyond the reach of traditional medical systems. Among them is the Advanced Medical Provider (AMP) team, a multidisciplinary group of physicians and nurses, and open to paramedics, who bring vital medical expertise to some of the most challenging rescue environments in British Columbia.

Much of NSR’s strength comes from the culture built over decades. Before the AMP program existed, advanced medical care in the mountains was shaped significantly by figures like Tim Jones, an advanced care paramedic and dedicated NSR member whose work helped define the standard for wilderness medical readiness in the region. His contribution, recognized through the Order of British Columbia, still influences how rescues are approached today.

In recent years NSR’s AMP program has grown into a coordinated, specialized team. Recognition of NSR’s medical rescue capability has even evolved into a formal agreement with Vancouver General Hospital and BC Emergency Health Services whereby patients with ‘LLTO’ (life, limb, threatened organ) type of injuries or illness can be flown directly to the VGH rooftop helipad in the rescue helicopter under the care of the NSR AMP. Dr. Alec Ritchie, DEM Clinical Professor, played an important role in establishing key components of the program, and his commitment helped shape the structure and training that AMP volunteers rely on today. Leadership of the AMP Program is now in transition, with Dr. Ritchie stepping down as NSR medical lead and passing the torch to Dr. Carolyn Kelly-Smith, DEM Clinical Instructor. Dr. Kelly-Smith, who has a Diploma in Mountain Medicine, is ensuring that NSR’s medical capabilities continue to evolve and adapt to the realities of backcountry emergencies. An example is NSR’s foundation in evidence-based care, such as the work on management of accidental hypothermia done by AMP Dr. Doug Brown, DEM Clinical Assistant Professor – work which helps guide medical decision-making in cold-weather rescues.

“Search & rescue has been the driver of my medical career and shaped my work improving care for hypothermic patients locally and internationally. On January  28, 1999, five hikers were swept away by an avalanche on the Grouse Grind.  I was 24, a civil engineer still early in my SAR journey, and it was my first major call. After riding the Grouse tram to the top, I was handed bags of saline that had been warmed in the cafeteria microwave and sent down the trail. That night was the first time I worked closely with Tim Jones and the North Shore Rescue team to save a life. Using stretchers and ropes, we hauled patients to the top while Tim treated injuries, controlled pain and managed hypothermia. The experience changed the course of my life.”

– Dr. Doug Brown, DEM Clinical Assistant Professor

Every NSR volunteer, medical or not, commits to extensive training. Before becoming a full member, each individual completes the GSAR (Ground Search and Rescue) course through the Justice Institute of British Columbia—online modules and practical field assessments—spending their first two years as a Member in Training. (Some AMPs are not full members, but are “resource members”. This is still a formal designation and proficiency in backcountry and GSAR skills is still necessary.) This foundation allows NSR’s diverse team to work together safely and effectively during complex rescues, whether they are on foot, using technical rope systems, or coordinating helicopter evacuations.

“It is a privilege to be a member of NSR, a team that has significantly advanced the provision of medical care in Search and Rescue. It takes an incredible amount of training time and resources from the team to be able to safely insert an AMP into a wilderness environment day or night to provide advanced medical care.”

– Dr. Carolyn Kelly-Smith, DEM Clinical Instructor

Despite the growing professionalism of wilderness medical care, Canada still has no formal wilderness medicine fellowship. This gap leaves medical professionals seeking advanced backcountry medical training to pursue learning through programs like the Diploma in Mountain Medicine course (offered by the Canadian Society of Mountain Medicine) or to look outside the country. Continued advocacy from groups such as the UBC DEM’s Wilderness Mountain Medicine Interest Group aims to change that, recognizing the importance of consistent, advanced academic and practical training for clinicians who support teams like NSR.

“There is a gap that exists in the medical care of people who are injured or ill in an austere wilderness environment. The NSR AMP program addresses that gap.”

– Dr. Alec Ritchie, DEM Clinical Professor

But the real story is not about titles or roles—it is about the people. The volunteers who leave their homes at midnight to search for someone lost or injured in austere wilderness environments. The medical providers who bring calm expertise to patients in remote gullies or on frozen ridgelines. The logistics and technical members who coordinate operations so that everything runs safely. Together, they form a safety net for anyone who explores the mountains of the North Shore.

The work they do is demanding, often exhausting, and always essential. And to these volunteers – every member of NSR – our gratitude is deep and enduring. Special thanks to the members of NSR’s AMP Program:

Eric Angus, Kayla Brolly, Doug Brown, Mike Crickmer, Mickael Francoeur, Stuart Horak, Carolyn Kelly-Smith, Hazel Park, Simon Pulfrey, Alec Ritchie, Sean Staniforth, Rebecca Sugar, Matt Turnock, Cam Williams

Congratulations to DEM Faculty members Drs. Riyad Abu-laban, Simon Pulfrey, and UBC Royal College EM Senior Resident Dr. Dylan Collins on their recent publication, The intersection of emergency care, human resources and health equity: a comparative mapping of policy and systems in Australia, Canada, Rwanda and South Africa, in BMJ Global Health!

Achieving equitable access to quality emergency healthcare services remains a significant global health challenge, particularly for marginalized communities, who face higher mortality rates due to systemic barriers. The disparities in access stem largely from the inequitable distribution of skilled emergency healthcare personnel and policies that fail to address the needs of diverse populations. This project aimed to explore the intersection of human resources for health and health equity in emergency care across four countries: Canada, Australia, Rwanda, and South Africa, to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of emergency services for those most in need.

Publication Title

The intersection of emergency care, human resources and health equity: a comparative mapping of policy and systems in Australia, Canada, Rwanda and South Africa (BMJ Global Health, 2026)

Abstract

Strengthening systems of emergency healthcare is crucial to achieving global and national health goals. One of the key challenges in improving emergency care systems is the insufficient attention given to human resources for health (HRH) tasked with delivering this care. The intersection of emergency care policy and systems, human resources and health equity is an underdeveloped area of research and practice.

In this project, the team used HRH frameworks to conduct an exploratory and comparative mapping of emergency healthcare workforce policy and systems in four countries—Canada, Australia, Rwanda and South Africa—and to explore its intersection with health equity. Governance fragmentation for emergency care workforces was common, with responsibilities for workforce training, distribution, regulation and retention split among multiple governmental and non-governmental actors, typically without any high-level oversight of equity-related outcomes. The comparative nature of this project facilitated an exploration of labour market interdependencies across the countries, such as the impact of burnout and attrition in fuelling international migration of emergency care workers.

“This comparative study identified many international similarities from the intersection and impact of health policies and human resources on emergency care. Our findings also underscore the ongoing need to address and reform some uniquely Canadian issues, in particular our internationally aberrant EM training and certification approach involving two independent colleges, and the uncoordinated and inefficient system it has led to.” – Dr. Riyad Abu-laban, DEM Professor Emeritus

“It was a privilege to be a small part of this multi-country study that highlights important health care policies and training challenges in emergency care delivery. Having spent a year helping establish emergency medicine residency training in Rwanda a decade ago, it was especially meaningful to see how effectively that program is developing. The Canadian model has valuable lessons to learn from our international colleagues.” – Dr. Simon Pulfrey, DEM Clinical Professor

“This work situates emergency care within the broader health system functions that shape inequities in access and outcomes, using a global lens often missing from Canadian emergency medicine. It clarifies how strengthening the emergency care workforce can be a lever for more resilient and equitable health systems and underscores the need for a more unified, fit-for-purpose training pathway for emergency medicine in Canada.” – Dr. Dylan Collins, UBC Royal College EM Senior Resident

Congratulations to Dr. Robert Gooch, DEM Clinical Assistant Professor, who contributed to the recent publication, Factors in the Initial Resuscitation of Patients With Severe Trauma: The FiiRST-2 Randomized Clinical Trial, in JAMA Network Open.

This study investigates whether fibrinogen concentrate (FC) and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) can reduce the use of allogeneic blood products within 24 hours in severely injured trauma patients when compared to frozen plasma (FP). The findings indicate that in a clinical trial involving 137 patients who received massive hemorrhage protocol activation upon admission, there was no significant difference in the use of allogeneic blood products within 24 hours between the FC-PCC group and the FP group.

Publication Title

Factors in the Initial Resuscitation of Patients With Severe Trauma: The FiiRST-2 Randomized Clinical Trial (JAMA Network Open, 2025)

Abstract

Patients experiencing bleeding and coagulopathic trauma often require more blood transfusions and have higher mortality rates. This situation drives research aimed at improving hemostatic strategies. This study examines the use of frozen plasma (FP) or factor concentrates—specifically, fibrinogen concentrate (FC) and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC)—for replacing clotting factors during the initial resuscitation of trauma patients.

The primary outcome measured was the total number of allogeneic blood products (including red blood cells, FP, and platelets) administered within the first 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of thromboembolic events, the duration of stay in the intensive care unit, and overall mortality rates.

“Severely injured trauma patients are at risk of coagulopathy. Initial resuscitation with factor replacement was not superior to plasma, but remains an effective option, especially where plasma is unavailable.” — Dr. Robert Gooch

The Department of Emergency Medicine is excited to announce a career opportunity for the position of Associate Program Director, RCPSC-EM Residency Program, Vancouver, with an expected start date in January 2026.

The Associate Program Director, RCPSC-EM Residency Program, Vancouver is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the residency program at their site. They ensure the site complies with program accreditation standards. They create and maintain a supportive learning environment where trainees thrive and receive an exceptional educational experience. The Associate Program Director fosters an inclusive culture that promotes diversity and upholds the values of respect, integrity, compassion, collaboration, and equity. 

Appointment Details 

This is a 0.5 FTE position (2.5 days/week) for a five-year term, subject to renewal. The incumbent must have sufficient protected time during the working week to fulfill the requirements of this role. 

The appointee may serve up to two consecutive terms, contingent upon satisfactory performance and alignment with departmental goals.

Reporting Relationships 

The Associate Program Director, RCPSC-EM Residency Program, Vancouver reports to the Provincial Director, RCPS-EM Residency Program. The Associate Program Director will provide direction and functional supervision to the site Program Coordinator. 

Responsibilities 

Qualifications 

• Holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Emergency Medicine 
• Certified in Emergency Medicine 
• Licensed by the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons 
• Holds a hospital appointment as an emergency physician at Vancouver General Hospital 
• Collaboratively spirited with excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
• Strong leadership skills and able to effectively respond to new and complex issues 
• Demonstrated ability to champion the principles of anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion 
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement 
• Able to negotiate, mediate conflicts, advocate, and resolve problems 
• Able to interpret and apply policy and procedure 
• Maintains current knowledge of postgraduate education principles and best practices 

Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to Corinne Hohl. For any inquiries, please contact Meredith Edwards. Applications will be reviewed starting December 19, 2025, until the position is filled. The anticipated start date will be in January 2026.

The Department of Emergency Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Tina Yokota has been appointed the Provincial Program Director for the RCPSC Emergency Medicine Residency Program, providing leadership across all UBC sites. Her appointment will begin early in 2026.

Dr. Yokota is a Clinical Assistant Professor who has served as Associate Program Director at the Vancouver site for five years, where she launched initiatives to strengthen collaboration across sites, implemented policies promoting equity and transparency, and led improvements to resident training and wellness. She also holds a Master of Education in the Health Professions from Johns Hopkins University.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Yokota!

We are excited to announce that Dr. Erica Y. Lau has joined us as DEM Assistant Professor (Grant Tenure-Track) and Scientific Director at Emergency Care BC (ECBC), effective October 1, 2025.

Dr. Lau holds a PhD in Exercise Science and Implementation Science from the University of South Carolina. She brings nine years of postdoctoral research experience at UBC, where she collaborated on and advanced research initiatives within the Departments of Kinesiology, Family Practice, and Emergency Medicine.

Her research focuses on addressing pivotal challenges in healthcare, emphasizing the rapid, equitable, and sustainable implementation of evidence-based practices within complex clinical settings. Her expertise spans Implementation Science, Learning Health Systems (LHS), Pragmatic Evaluation Methods, and Digital Health, establishing her as a leader in bridging innovative research with practical application. With her visionary approach, Dr. Lau integrates real-world data and fosters collaborative efforts across sectors, applying equity-informed strategies to drive impactful system change.

In her new role, Dr. Lau will lead the development of a provincial LHS to enhance emergency care and improve patient outcomes. She will leverage ECBC’s expertise in health system operations and quality improvement and collaborate closely with DEM colleagues to implement and monitor high-priority evidence-based health interventions to improve emergency care in BC. Dr. Lau will also participate in teaching and mentorship to our undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate learners.

Congratulations, Dr. Lau! We look forward to the transformative advancements you will bring to DEM and ECBC.