Dr. Michelle Tanya Liebregts – Emergency Room Doctor | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Michelle Tanya Liebregts is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Liebregts is skilled in the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in patients of all ages. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and coordinating care effectively within the fast-paced ER environment.

The Emergency Department in Hamilton is situated in the North End, in the Beasley neighbourhood. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care for residents in the surrounding community. The department is located near the FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance), with accessible public transportation via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off points and parking facilities. This high-acuity care environment operates 24/7, ensuring that patients with urgent and life-threatening conditions receive timely and comprehensive emergency care. The department functions as an integral part of the hospital’s broad range of healthcare services, providing immediate assessment and stabilization for a diverse patient population.

Dr. Liebregts is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist and has over 10 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2014. She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa, Canada. Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. She adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Fluent in both English and French, Dr. Liebregts communicates effectively with a diverse patient demographic, ensuring clear understanding and compassionate care during emergency situations.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Liebregts manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Liebregts manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Liebregts manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• 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): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Careful examination to rule out more serious underlying injuries, such as fractures, compartment syndrome, or tendon ruptures.

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.

• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Initial clinical and radiological assessment, effective pain control, and appropriate immobilization (splinting, casting, or slings) of suspected or confirmed bone fractures and joint dislocations.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Liebregts 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 Ontario (CPSO) 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 Hamilton is located in the North End, in the Beasley neighbourhood. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care for residents in the surrounding community. Situated near the FirstOntario Centre (Bay St Entrance), it is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off points and parking facilities. This department operates 24/7, providing high-acuity care for urgent and life-threatening conditions, and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely and effective treatment for all patients in need.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Liebregts and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Liebregts and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Liebregts 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. Liebregts 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.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Liebregts?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Liebregts, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, Dr. Liebregts is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Liebregts 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.

What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?

The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Liebregts, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.

Suite 309, 237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Hospital Main Line: (905) 521-2100

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Liebregts is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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. Liebregts or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Liebregts's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Liebregts-Michelle-Tanya/0257682-91369