Dr. Alexandra St-Onge-St-Hilaire – Emergency Room Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. Alexandra St-Onge-St-Hilaire is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Calgary, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). Her role involves rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families.

Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire graduated with an MD CM from McGill University in 2018. She holds specialty certification as a Pediatric Emergency Physician, having completed extensive postgraduate training and fulfilling all certification requirements necessary to practice in Alberta. Her training ensures she is well-equipped with the latest clinical practices and protocols for pediatric emergency care.

Her professional philosophy centers on delivering rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine practices, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of her pediatric patients. Additionally, she communicates effectively in French and English, ensuring she can serve Calgary’s diverse community with clarity and empathy. Her dedication to family-centered care aims to reduce distress and improve outcomes for children and their families during emergencies.

Dr. Alexandra St-Onge-St-Hilaire is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):

Specific Pediatric Emergencies

Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire manages handling acute medical conditions that are uniquely prevalent or present differently in infants, children, and adolescents, requiring specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

• Accidental Ingestions and Poisonings in Children: Administering supportive care, specific antidotes if available and indicated (e.g., naloxone for opioid overdose, N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose), or decontamination measures (e.g., activated charcoal if appropriate).
• Acute Respiratory Distress in Infants and Children (e.g., Croup, Bronchiolitis, Foreign Body Aspiration): Rapidly recognizing and responding to signs of impending respiratory failure in children, including potential need for advanced airway management.
• Febrile Seizures in Children: Guidance on when to seek further medical attention for recurrent or atypical seizures.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Assessing need for hospitalization versus outpatient management based on severity scores.

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.

• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
• Pediatric Resuscitation (PALS/APLS): Managing cardiac arrest, shock, and respiratory failure in pediatric patients according to current guidelines.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Employing rapid diagnostic tools and protocols to efficiently evaluate patients with urgent health concerns.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire 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.

The Emergency Department in Calgary's NW: Bowness, Montgomery, Greenwood neighbourhood is a high-acuity care environment dedicated to providing urgent medical services to the community. Situated conveniently near Inglewood Access, the department is accessible via Calgary Transit options, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The hospital's fully accessible Emergency Department offers seamless entry for all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off points and parking facilities. As a critical access point for urgent medical care, the department operates 24/7 and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure swift and effective treatment for pediatric and adult emergencies.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire 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. St-Onge-St-Hilaire 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 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. St-Onge-St-Hilaire, 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. St-Onge-St-Hilaire works?

To help Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire 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.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire 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.

When should I see Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire 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.

Does the Emergency Room where Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire works provide specialized care for children?

Yes, Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire is a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children. with specialized training and expertise in treating infants, children, and adolescents in emergency situations. The Emergency Department is equipped with pediatric-specific medical equipment and resources, and the staff are experienced in addressing the unique physiological and emotional needs of young patients.

28 OKI DR NW
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician 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. St-Onge-St-Hilaire or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. St-Onge-St-Hilaire's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=d7ba9e42-348f-404f-a59a-fc8225f2eb60&i=1395