Dr. Ahmed Mohammed A Alsakha – Emergency Room Doctor | Cornwall, ON

Dr. Ahmed Mohammed A Alsakha is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus in Cornwall, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives care that is both safe and effective. Dr. Alsakha 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 graduated with a Medical Degree from King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia and has accumulated over 8 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2016. Dr. Alsakha is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms his expertise and commitment to maintaining high standards of emergency care. Throughout his career, he has continued to enhance his skills through ongoing education and certification in emergency medicine, ensuring he remains current with the latest practices and protocols.

Dr. Alsakha’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Additionally, he communicates effectively in both English and Arabic, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency situations with sensitivity and clarity. His dedication to community health in Cornwall underscores his focus on delivering timely, comprehensive, and compassionate emergency care.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Interventions may include observation for small pneumothoraces, needle aspiration for symptomatic relief, or chest tube (thoracostomy) insertion for larger or tension pneumothoraces.
• COPD Exacerbation: Management of acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by increased dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, often requiring bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Alsakha manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Assessment and management of bruises (contusions), collections of blood in tissues (hematomas), and ligamentous sprains or muscle/tendon strains.

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.

• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Administering tetanus prophylaxis and appropriate antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Life-saving intervention for tension pneumothorax or management of significant pleural collections causing respiratory compromise.
• 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.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Alsakha 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 Ottawa Hospital General Campus, located in Cornwall, is a major hospital in Cornwall's vibrant community. Easily accessible via local public transit serving the hospital, the emergency department is situated within a comprehensive hospital complex designed to provide urgent and emergent care. The hospital campus offers ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access, with clear signage guiding patients to ER drop-off and parking areas. The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients and operates 24/7, serving as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by dedicated emergency medicine professionals, including Dr. Alsakha, to provide timely and effective care for a diverse patient population.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Alsakha 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. Alsakha, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

To help Dr. Alsakha 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.

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

When you arrive at the Emergency Room, a specially trained triage nurse will be one of the first healthcare professionals you see. Their role is to quickly assess the urgency of your medical condition based on your symptoms, vital signs, and a brief history. This assessment helps determine your priority for treatment relative to other patients. The triage nurse ensures that the most critically ill or injured patients are seen by an ER doctor like Dr. Alsakha as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

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

Dr. Alsakha, 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.

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

Dr. Alsakha and the Emergency Room team are best equipped to handle acute, severe, or potentially life-threatening medical conditions. For ongoing care, management of chronic illnesses (unless there's an acute exacerbation), routine check-ups, preventative health measures, prescription refills for stable conditions, and non-urgent health concerns, your family doctor is the most appropriate healthcare provider. They offer continuity of care and have a comprehensive understanding of your overall health history. If your condition is not an emergency, consulting your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is generally recommended.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Alsakha, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.

The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
840 McConnell Avenue, Division of Medical Oncology
Cornwall, ON K6H 5S5

Hospital Main Line: (613) 938-4240

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Alsakha 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. Alsakha or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Alsakha's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Alsakha-Ahmed-Mohammed-A/0313266-110872