Dr. Hillary J. Austin – Emergency Room Doctor | Sherwood Park, AB

Dr. Hillary J. Austin is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Sherwood Park, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). She 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. Austin graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Ottawa in 2008. She holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and has completed extensive post-graduate training. She maintains all necessary certifications to practice Emergency Medicine in Alberta, including current ACLS, ATLS, and PALS certifications. Her training ensures she is well-equipped to handle diverse emergency scenarios with proficiency and confidence.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Austin is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care exclusively in English and is dedicated to serving the community of Sherwood Park with professionalism and compassion.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Austin 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): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Urgent management of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) associated with evidence of acute or ongoing end-organ damage (e.g., encephalopathy, stroke, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury).
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Austin manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Austin manages providing urgent medical care for a wide spectrum of injuries resulting from accidents, falls, sports, or violence, affecting bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues.

• 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.

• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Expert assessment of injury mechanisms and patterns to guide diagnostic imaging and management strategies.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing diagnostic lumbar punctures to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the analysis and diagnosis of suspected central nervous system infections (meningitis, encephalitis), subarachnoid hemorrhage, or certain neurological conditions.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Troubleshooting and managing potential complications of indwelling vascular catheters.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Providing analgesia and monitoring for complications post-procedure.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Austin 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 Sherwood Park is located at a major hospital in Sherwood Park. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, situated conveniently near the hospital campus. The facility is accessible via local public transit serving the hospital, with clear signage directing patients to ER entrance and parking. The hospital offers ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access. The ER operates 24/7, equipped to handle high-acuity cases, and is fully accessible to all patients. It functions in close coordination with comprehensive hospital services to provide timely, effective emergency care for residents of Sherwood Park and surrounding areas.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Austin 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Austin?

Dr. Austin, 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Austin 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.

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

To help Dr. Austin 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. Austin 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. Austin and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

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. Austin as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

9000 Emerald Dr
Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0J3

Hospital Main Line: (780) 342-3464

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Austin is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Austin or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Austin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a23fe16d-677e-40f6-a205-98a9f3d6b5d5&i=114