Dr. Hal Mitchell Shulman – Emergency Room Doctor | Montréal, QC

Dr. Hal Mitchell Shulman is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital Royal Victoria in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Shulman 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 holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 44 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1980. Dr. Shulman has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice Emergency Medicine in Québec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His dedication to continuous professional development ensures he remains current with the latest emergency medicine practices and protocols.

Dr. Shulman's professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in urgent settings. Dr. Shulman provides emergency medical services in French, ensuring accessible care for the diverse community of Montréal.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Shulman manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Diagnosis and initiation of treatment for lung infections, particularly severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) presenting with respiratory distress or sepsis.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Aggressive and protocol-driven management of severe asthma attacks, including frequent administration of inhaled bronchodilators (beta-agonists and anticholinergics), systemic corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Shulman manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• 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): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Providing appropriate analgesia and ensuring follow-up for wound checks or suture removal.

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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Managing potential complications like post-LP headache.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Shulman 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Hôpital Royal Victoria is situated in Montréal's Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) Central neighbourhood, easily accessible via public transportation and private vehicles. The hospital is located near the Société des arts technologiques (SAT), with convenient access via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) (Métro, Bus). The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clearly marked entrances and dedicated parking spots for emergency access. Follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to provide timely and effective emergency treatment.

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

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

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

Dr. Shulman 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Shulman 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. Shulman 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Shulman 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. Shulman 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?

The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Shulman 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. Shulman?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Shulman 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 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. Shulman as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

Hôpital Royal Victoria
1001boul Decarie
Montréal, QC H4A 3J1

Hospital Main Line: (514) 934-1934

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Shulman is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Shulman or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Shulman's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=80159