Dr. Alfonso Christian Burga Alvarado is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Glengrove Medical Centre in Cornwall, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. The Emergency Department is a 24/7 operation, providing urgent and life-threatening care. It operates within the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Alvarado's role involves rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in patients of all ages. He is skilled in managing time-sensitive situations, performing emergency procedures, and coordinating care effectively within the fast-paced ER environment.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Universidad San Martin De Porres in Peru and has accumulated over 12 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2012. Dr. Alvarado is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards of emergency medical practice and continuous professional development.
Driven by a professional philosophy centered on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Alvarado provides compassionate care under pressure, ensuring patient safety at all times. He values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, he effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, advocating for patient needs and ensuring clarity in urgent care situations.
Dr. Alfonso Alvarado is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Alvarado manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Alvarado manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Ensuring adequate lung re-expansion and pain control.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Alvarado manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.
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 Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Confirming tube placement and lung re-expansion with imaging.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Alvarado 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.
Glengrove Medical Centre is located in Cornwall's major hospital in the Cornwall neighborhood. The facility is easily accessible from the hospital campus, with clear signage directing emergency arrivals. The hospital is well-connected via local public transit serving the hospital, ensuring convenient access for patients and families. The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Hospital parking is available, and visitors are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. As a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, the Emergency Department at Glengrove Medical Centre is integrated with comprehensive hospital services, providing a seamless continuum of care for all urgent health needs.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Alvarado?
- Dr. Alvarado, 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?
- The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Alvarado 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.
- When should I see Dr. Alvarado in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Alvarado 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Alvarado 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. Alvarado 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Alvarado works?
- To help Dr. Alvarado 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.
Glengrove Medical Centre
840 McConnell Avenue
Cornwall, ON K6H 5S5
Hospital Main Line: (613) 938-4240
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Alvarado 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. Alvarado or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Alvarado's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Burga-Alvarado-Alfonso-Christian/0241881-87456