Dr. Ian Scott McGilvray – Emergency Room Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Ian Scott McGilvray is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Markham-Stouffville Hospital in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). Dr. McGilvray 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 The Flinders University of South Australia in Australia. With over 3 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2021, Dr. McGilvray brings a wealth of clinical expertise. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring he maintains a high standard of professional competence and ongoing education.

Dr. McGilvray's professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He strictly adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. He is dedicated to serving the Toronto community by delivering emergency care in English with a focus on compassion, efficiency, and clinical excellence.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Emergency management of sudden worsening of chronic heart failure symptoms, typically presenting as severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), fluid overload (edema), and orthopnea.
• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. McGilvray manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• 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: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. McGilvray manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Administration of tetanus prophylaxis and consideration of antibiotics for contaminated wounds or those at high risk of infection, along with detailed wound care instructions.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Facilitation of urgent referral to orthopedic specialists for complex fractures, open fractures, neurovascularly compromised injuries, or those requiring surgical intervention.

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.

• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Assessing for associated cervical spine injuries in patients with head trauma.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Prioritizing interventions for patients with critical trauma, including hemorrhage control and airway protection.
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Utilizing aseptic technique and careful patient positioning to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. McGilvray 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.

Markham-Stouffville Hospital is situated in Toronto's Lawrence Park neighborhood, serving as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. The hospital is conveniently located near the Princess of Wales Theatre and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available and designated spots for emergency access. Follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER facility is equipped to handle high-acuity cases and offers comprehensive hospital services to meet the urgent needs of the community.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. McGilvray and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.

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

Dr. McGilvray 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.

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

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

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

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

Markham-Stouffville Hospital
2075 Bayview Ave
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Hospital Main Line: (416) 480-6100

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. McGilvray's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McGilvray-Ian-Scott/0310053-109826