About
Dr. David Clifford McKee is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Mississauga Health Centre in Thunder Bay, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patient care aligns with provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. McKee's primary focus is 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, with patients seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 37 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor, having begun his practice in 1987. Dr. McKee is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive experience and certifications underpin his expertise in managing complex emergency cases and providing high standards of patient care.
Dr. McKee's professional philosophy emphasizes 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 to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He is dedicated to serving the community of Thunder Bay with a commitment to delivering timely, efficient, and compassionate emergency care in English.
Dr. David McKee is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. McKee 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: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
- 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 Respiratory Conditions
Dr. McKee manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. McKee manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
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.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Confirming tube placement and lung re-expansion with imaging.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Providing varying depths of sedation tailored to the specific procedure and patient needs.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Meticulous cleaning, debridement, irrigation, and repair (suturing, stapling, or adhesive closure) of simple and complex cuts, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. McKee 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.
Mississauga Health Centre is situated in Thunder Bay's Fort William East (Downtown South Core, East End) neighborhood. The facility is conveniently accessible via Thunder Bay Transit, with clear signage directing patients to ER access points. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring barrier-free entry. It is located near Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, providing seamless integration with comprehensive hospital services. Parking is available on-site, with designated spots for emergency access. Patients can follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking, which is designed to facilitate quick ingress for urgent cases. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, offering 24/7 services in a high-acuity environment.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. McKee 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. McKee 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. McKee in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. McKee 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.
- 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. McKee as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. McKee works?
- To help Dr. McKee 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. McKee?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. McKee 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. McKee?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. McKee, a trained emergency physician, 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.
- 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. McKee 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.
Mississauga Health Centre
1001 Ridgeway St E
Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5H8
Hospital Main Line: (807) 623-3591
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. McKee 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. McKee or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. McKee's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McKee-David-Clifford/0061353-69709