Rapid Action Recognized: Dr. Richard Trawick Named Physician of the Year

When you enter the Emergency Department (ED) at Burnaby Hospital, you’re immediately struck by the energy, urgency and professionalism of the healthcare team. Leading that team is Dr. Richard Trawick, the Head Physician, who was recently named Burnaby Hospital Foundation’s Physician of the Year at the 10th Annual Gala: Bourbon Street Nights. Dr. Trawick’s commitment to patient care and his leadership during one of the most challenging times in healthcare make him a true leader in our community.

The ED team is small but mighty, balancing the critical, life-saving work of emergency medicine with a strong focus on follow-up care. But in recent years, the department has faced in- creasing challenges. “As fewer people in our community have access to family doctors, we’re seeing a significant rise in patients turning to the ED for primary care,” Dr. Trawick explains.

“We’re seeing more patients than ever before, and we’re doing it in a space that was never designed for this level of demand.”

On an average day, the ED sees around 200 patients – sometimes as many as 270 – even though the department was designed to accommodate only 148 patients. With Burnaby’s growing population, projections estimate the department will need to care for over 330 patients daily by 2035.

While these numbers paint a daunting picture, Dr. Trawick remains focused on solutions. “Even in a crowded, outdated space, our team is always finding ways to improve care,” he ensures. One innovation is the introduction of a Triage Physician. This allows for faster diagnoses, quicker treatments and shorter wait times for patients who may need a prescription or referral, improving the flow of care and alleviating some of the pressure on an already-stretched department.

Burnaby Hospital’s expansion will add over 10,000 square feet to the ED and increase treatment bays by 30 percent. As Dr. Trawick and his team continue to deliver exceptional care in an often-overcrowded space, he is optimistic about the future of the department. “This redevelopment is a gamechanger,” he says. “With the right resources, we can continue to provide the best care possible, no matter how many patients walk through our doors.”

The Physician of the Year award is a testament to Dr. Trawick’s dedication and leadership, but he remains humble about the recognition. “It’s an honour, of course, but the real credit goes to the amazing team in our Emergency Department. We’re all working toward the same goal – to provide the best care for our community – and I’m proud to be a part of that effort.”