This month meet Dr. Ni Lam, Site Chief of the Emergency Department at the University of Alberta Hospital

Dr Ni Lam knows very well what the frontline of medicine looks like. She also knows the value of donor generosity in supporting the world leading research and patient care that happens here every day.

1. Where are you from?

I grew up in Vegreville. I lived there until I moved to Edmonton to start University.

2. When did you decide to become a doctor?

I was always interested in medicine, I just didn’t know which aspect I wanted to work in. So I explored research. I explored patient care. And I explored the whole world of first responders.

Working in Emergency lets me do all of that. I do a little bit of research, a lot of clinical care and, in the hospital, we are the first responders. When people come to the hospital, they come here.

3. What led you to becoming an Emergency doctor?

Growing up, I always thought I wanted to be engaged in that world of first responders. The excitement of being on the frontline, where really, you get to deal with such a variety of patients and you really have no idea what’s going to happen next. I was drawn to that.

4. What do you do for fun?

I used to be quite athletic and played a lot of different sports. Now I chase after my three kids. And I still run, on my own. That’s my reprieve. I listen to my music and go. Other than that, it’s spending time with my family.

5. What’s your favorite hang out?

Like everyone else, I love the river valley. I run there a lot. It’s so beautiful. I enjoy the parks. I also spend a lot of time in hockey rinks and soccer fields around the city.

I also love to eat. My favourite restaurant is Rge Rd (pronounced Range Road). It’s locally grown food. Always ranked in the top three restaurants in Edmonton. I love the Duchess Bakery.

6. What impact has funding from the University Hospital Foundation had on the Emergency Department?

I was always drawn to the University of Alberta Hospital because I always thought, this is the place to go if you’re really sick. This is where all the specialists are. It’s the epitome of care.

The Foundation has always supported the amazing clinical work we do, and that’s so important. We have incredible doctors here, but without that support, we can’t do what we do.

Donors to the University Hospital Foundation have supported Dr. Lam’s work through the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, funding groundbreaking research to advance patient care, and providing resources for the development of innovative treatment spaces in the Emergency Department.