About
Dr. David Solomon Swartz is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre in Richmond Hill, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Dr. Swartz adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He 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.
Dr. Swartz graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 27 years of experience as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) since 1997, he has developed a deep expertise in emergency medicine. He is recognized as a CFPC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with provincial standards and best practices for emergency care.
His professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Swartz is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English, with a steadfast commitment to serving the community of Richmond Hill with professionalism and compassion.
Dr. David Swartz 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. Swartz manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).
- 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. Swartz manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- 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.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Swartz manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
- COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.
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.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Swartz 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.
London Health Sciences Centre is situated in Richmond Hill's Central Richmond Hill, Mill Pond neighborhood, serving as a vital access point for urgent medical care in the community. The hospital is conveniently located near Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park, accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing patients to ER entry points and parking facilities. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access. The ER is equipped to handle high-acuity cases, with a dedicated team ready to provide immediate care. The facility is integrated with comprehensive hospital services, ensuring seamless patient management from initial assessment to definitive treatment or admission.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Swartz?
- Dr. Swartz, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., 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. Swartz 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Swartz?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Swartz, 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Swartz works?
- To help Dr. Swartz 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Swartz works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- The Emergency Room is for serious or life-threatening medical conditions that require immediate attention. Examples include: severe chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, signs of a stroke (like sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking), major injuries or uncontrolled bleeding, severe allergic reactions, high fever with confusion, or loss of consciousness. For non-urgent issues, minor illnesses, medication refills, or routine check-ups, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic is usually more appropriate. If you're unsure about the severity of your condition, it's often best to err on the side of caution and seek emergency care or call your provincial telehealth line for advice. Dr. Swartz and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
London Health Sciences Centre
10 Trench Street, London Regional Cancer Program
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3
Hospital Main Line: (905) 883-2041
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Swartz is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) 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. Swartz or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Swartz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Swartz-David-Solomon/0048210-62188