News Archive

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 begins November 18^th for a five year term.

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!

Congratulations to Dr. Jacob Hutton, DEM Postdoctoral Research Fellow, for receiving the 2025 Health Research BC Research Trainee Award! This prestigious award supports researchers dedicated to high-quality work that improves health outcomes. Since its inception in 2001, Health Research BC has awarded over 1,400 Research Trainee awards, fostering career growth in research, biotech, and health policy. This investment strengthens B.C.’s health research system and prepares it for future challenges.

Jacob’s project “Validation and Implementation of a Wearable Cardiac Arrest Detection System in Clinical and Community Settings” is located at the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes.

Read the announcement from the Faculty of Medicine.

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.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Kevin Clark has been appointed as the Assistant Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education and Learner Support, effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Clark has been an invaluable asset to our department as a DEM Clinical Professor and demonstrated exceptional leadership during his time as the Provincial Program Director of our Royal College Emergency Medicine Residency Program.

In his new role, Dr. Clark will lead key PGME portfolios, including resident counselling, clinician investigator programs, and support for transitions into practice, among others. Dr. Clark is recognized for his commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and has been honoured with several awards, including the PGME Program Director Award in 2023.

Congratulations to Dr. Clark! We look forward to the positive impact he will bring in his new role.

On September 30, the UBC Department of Emergency Medicine will commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is dedicated to honouring the children, families, and communities affected by residential schools. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities to reflect on the past and actively seek healing and reconciliation. Every action matters.

The UBC community is encouraged to join the Intergenerational March at UBC Vancouver on this day. The march aims to educate and provide support to the Indigenous community on campus and beyond.

The UBC Department of Emergency Medicine is seeking a part-time PGME Program Director. This role involves overseeing our residency program across various training sites, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, and promoting continuous improvement in postgraduate medical education.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead residency program and chair the Residency Program Committee
• Manage curriculum development and equitable admissions
• Support resident scholarship and promote career planning
• Ensure adherence to diversity, equity, and respect principles
• Provide financial oversight with administrative partners

The successful candidate must hold a UBC faculty appointment or be eligible to hold a UBC faculty appointment for the duration of this position. The successful candidate should have:

• Certification in Emergency Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Licensed by the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Hospital appointment as an emergency physician
• Strong leadership and excellent communication skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and continuous quality improvement

Interested candidates should submit their applications to Corinne Hohl. For any inquiries, please contact Meredith Edwards. Applications will be reviewed starting October 1, 2025, until the position is filled. Anticipated start date is October 16, 2025.

On August 31, we come together to observe International Overdose Awareness Day, a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug overdoses and to promote effective prevention strategies.

In January 2024, a member of our emergency medicine community faced an unimaginable loss when Sidney McIntyre-Starko, an 18-year-old general science student at the University of Victoria, tragically lost her life due to an accidental overdose involving drugs laced with fentanyl. Delays in administering naloxone and CPR during that critical moment played a heartbreaking role in her death, igniting public outrage and calls for meaningful change.

In response to this tragedy, Sidney’s parents, Ken Starko and Dr. Caroline McIntyre, DEM Clinical Assistant Professor, took an inspiring step forward by going public with her story and launching the Sidney Should Be Here campaign. This powerful initiative advocates for widespread access to nasal naloxone, emergency nasal naloxone kits in university residence buildings, mandatory training in CPR and naloxone for high school students, and improved sharing of information surrounding overdose incidents on campuses. Their mission is clear: to prevent other families from enduring the unbearable pain of losing a loved one.

Our community has shown remarkable resilience and strength, demostrating that collective effort can drive significant change. In May 2024, the Post-Secondary Education Ministry established the Post-Secondary Overdose Prevention and Response Steering Committee.By September 2024 emergency nasal naloxone kits were installed on every floor of every residence building in post secondary institutions in British Columbia.

Thanks to the Sidney Should Be Here campaign and the relentless advocacy of Vancouver high school students, who tragically lost a friend to cardiac arrest, the Ministry of Education has responded. Starting in September 2025, every Grade 10 student in British Columbia will be required to undergo mandatory CPR and AED training during Physical Education classes. By the end of 2025, all secondary schools will be equipped with AEDs and naloxone kits designed to reverse overdoses, with elementary and middle schools following by September 2026.

A coroner’s inquest into Sidney’s death highlighted the urgent need for timely and effective assistance in overdose situations. We recognize the critical importance of proactive training in life-saving skills.

As we gather to mourn the lives of people lost to drug toxicity, we find hope in the actions taken to prevent future tragedies. While this public campaign has yet to achieve the goal of making nasal naloxone free and widely available in British Columbia beyond the current pilot project, the campaign will continue its advocacy efforts.  Ken and Caroline welcome support from physicians and community members to stand together in this vital cause.

The campaign provides valuable resources, including pre-written emails and open letters, to empower everyone to advocate for these crucial changes. We invite our community to take action, spread awareness, and work together to prevent avoidable overdose deaths.

On behalf of all our members, we sincerely thank Ken, Caroline, the high school students, the university students and everyone who has contributed to advocating for prevention efforts. This recognition represents just a small part of what their advocacy has accomplished.

News highlights:

• New to B.C.’s school curriculum this fall: CPR, naloxone, cardiac arrest devices
• How a student’s shocking overdose death in a B.C. dorm led to changes at universities. Plus: updates to 10 other big stories in 2024

Please visit International Overdose Awareness Day for more information.