Dr. Allyson Clara Cornelis – Emergency Room Doctor | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Allyson Clara Cornelis is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Red Deer, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Her role encompasses 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 urgent and life-threatening care, with patients being seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process.

Dr. Cornelis graduated with her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2017. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), having completed extensive post-graduate training and fulfilling all certification requirements to practice emergency medicine in Alberta. Her certifications include advanced training in emergency procedures, critical care, and trauma management, ensuring she is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of urgent medical situations.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate and effective care under pressure. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and clear communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Dr. Cornelis is dedicated to prioritizing patient safety, advocating for patient needs in acute settings, and delivering emergency care in English. Her focus is on ensuring that each patient receives timely, appropriate, and compassionate treatment during their most vulnerable moments.

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

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Cornelis manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
• 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.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Cornelis manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
• 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.

• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• 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.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Implementing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) interventions as required.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Cornelis 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 Red Deer's North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighbourhood is situated in a modern facility that is easily accessible. The department is conveniently located near the Exhibition Grounds and is well-served by Red Deer Transit, making it accessible for patients from all parts of the city. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to ER entrances and designated parking spots for emergency access. Hospital parking is available, with dedicated spots for emergency vehicles and patient drop-off. Patients are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off points and parking instructions. The department functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, providing comprehensive emergency services integrated with the hospital's broader healthcare system.

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

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. Cornelis 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Cornelis 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. Cornelis 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Cornelis?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Cornelis, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.

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. Cornelis, 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.

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

Dr. Cornelis 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.

3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Hospital Main Line: (403) 343-4442

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Cornelis is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) 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. Cornelis or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Cornelis's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=6255aafa-00d6-4bcc-9638-42c59895debb&i=319