About
Dr. Davinder Singh Dhat 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 Lethbridge, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His role involves 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. Dhat graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from McMaster University in 2010. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His training ensures he is well-equipped to handle the complex demands of emergency medicine, including advanced airway management, trauma care, and critical care interventions.
His professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Dr. Dhat emphasizes adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He communicates effectively in English, French, and Punjabi, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency situations with empathy and clarity.
Dr. Davinder Dhat 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. Dhat 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): 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.
- 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.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Dhat manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Dhat manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.
- COPD Exacerbation: Management of acute worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by increased dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, often requiring bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and antibiotics if bacterial infection is suspected.
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: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
- 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).
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Dhat 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 Lethbridge's Downtown Lethbridge East neighbourhood is situated within the local hospital, offering a critical access point for urgent medical care. The department is conveniently located near landmarks such as the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden and is accessible via public transit, including Lethbridge Transit routes. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The department operates 24/7, providing essential services to the community and integrating seamlessly with the hospital's comprehensive medical and surgical facilities. The facility's strategic location and robust infrastructure ensure timely and efficient emergency care for residents of Lethbridge and surrounding areas.
- When should I see Dr. Dhat in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Dhat 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.
- 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. Dhat 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.
- 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. Dhat as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Dhat 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. Dhat 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. Dhat?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Dhat, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, Dr. Dhat is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Dhat works?
- To help Dr. Dhat 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.
960 19 St S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Hospital Main Line: (403) 388-6111
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Dhat 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. Dhat or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Dhat's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7aa8fbd4-804c-48a0-870a-3e40b4ab04ee&i=372