Dr. Alistair Eksteen – Emergency Room Doctor | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Alistair Eksteen 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 Edmonton, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Eksteen 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 Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2015. Dr. Eksteen holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training. He possesses the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta, ensuring adherence to provincial standards and best practices. His training includes advanced emergency medicine techniques, trauma management, and acute care protocols, preparing him to handle complex and critical cases efficiently.

Dr. Eksteen's professional philosophy centers on providing rapid, accurate, and compassionate care in critical situations. He emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team to optimize patient outcomes. Committed to evidence-based emergency medicine, he prioritizes patient safety and advocates for the needs of his patients in urgent settings. His dedication to community health in Edmonton is reflected in his proactive approach to acute care, ensuring every patient receives timely and respectful treatment. Dr. Eksteen delivers emergency care confidently and effectively in English, with a focus on patient-centered service and unwavering professionalism.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Eksteen manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.
• 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: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Eksteen manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.

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.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Managing potential complications like post-LP headache.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• 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.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Utilizing established protocols and reversal agents as needed to ensure patient safety during and after PSA.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), including symptom assessment and providing patient education on cognitive/physical rest, recovery, and graduated return-to-activity/play.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Eksteen 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 of Edmonton's hospital is situated in the S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, Windsor Park neighborhood. It is conveniently located near the renowned World Waterpark and accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing emergency patient drop-off and parking areas. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, ensuring swift entry for urgent cases. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to provide a full spectrum of emergency and inpatient care.

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

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

Dr. Eksteen 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.

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

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Eksteen and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Eksteen, 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.

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. Eksteen as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

1B107-8440 112 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2J2

Hospital Main Line: (780) 407-2700

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Eksteen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=4b594392-bac0-42b4-8f31-3f7a3d7d9b74&i=420