Dr. Adam Oster – Emergency Room Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. Adam Oster is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Adam Oster Clinic Calgary in Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Oster 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 operates 24/7 to provide care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.

He holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Calgary, graduated in 2001, and possesses specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor. His qualifications include certifications such as LMCC and FRCPC—Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine—demonstrating his expertise and dedication to the specialty.

Dr. Oster’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, offering compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring patient safety at all times. He values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team and strictly adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. His dedication is to serve the Calgary community by delivering timely, safe, and compassionate emergency care in English.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Oster manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Oster manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Oster 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: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.

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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Managing acute flare-ups of chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, diabetes (e.g., DKA, HHS), or sickle cell crisis.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Life-saving intervention for tension pneumothorax or management of significant pleural collections causing respiratory compromise.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Meticulous cleaning, debridement, irrigation, and repair (suturing, stapling, or adhesive closure) of simple and complex cuts, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Oster 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Adam Oster Clinic Calgary is situated in Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood. The clinic connects easily to the city’s main transit routes, including the Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), facilitating convenient access for patients. The hospital’s Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and is a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. It is located close to major roadways and offers hospital parking with designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking areas, ensuring swift and efficient patient intake. The ER setting provides high-acuity care, equipped with advanced facilities and staffed by experienced emergency physicians like Dr. Oster, serving as a vital component of the hospital’s comprehensive healthcare services.

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

Dr. Oster, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Oster and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Oster 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.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Oster?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Oster in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.

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. Oster, 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.

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

To help Dr. Oster and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Oster works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Oster, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

Adam Oster Clinic Calgary
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Hospital Main Line: (403) 944-1315

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Oster is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Oster or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Oster's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b50b2673-cc0d-4186-947d-c78be462aaa9&i=1111