Dr. Dennis Dane Cho – Emergency Room Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Dennis Dane Cho is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Cho 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 Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada and has over 7 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2017. Dr. Cho is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and expertise in emergency medicine.

Dr. Cho’s professional philosophy centers around a commitment to 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 strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He is dedicated to delivering accessible emergency care to the Toronto community and communicates fluently in English.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Cho manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Cho manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Cho manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
• 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).
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.

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: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Expertise in managing potential complications associated with sedative and analgesic medications.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.
• 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.
• 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. Cho 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.

The Emergency Department in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood is situated within a major hospital facility known for its high-acuity care environment. The department is conveniently accessible from Toronto Reference Library via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with direct access to hospital parking featuring designated spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER operates 24/7, serving as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. It is fully accessible to all patients and integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless care delivery in emergencies.

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. Cho 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Cho works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Cho, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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. Cho, 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.

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

To help Dr. Cho 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.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Cho?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Cho, 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 Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, Dr. Cho 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.

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

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

Unit 309, 200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Hospital Main Line: (416) 340-3946

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Cho's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cho-Dennis-Dane/0281148-98001