Dr. Igor Cvetkovic – Emergency Room Doctor | Sherwood Park, AB

Dr. Igor Cvetkovic 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 Sherwood Park, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Cvetkovic specializes in the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. 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 completed his medical education earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in 2007. Dr. Cvetkovic holds specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), having completed extensive post-graduate training and acquiring the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Alberta. His qualifications ensure he is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of urgent health concerns with professionalism and expertise.

Dr. Cvetkovic’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. Additionally, he communicates fluently in Croatian, Serbian, and English, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency situations with cultural sensitivity and clarity.

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

• Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Initial management of first, second, and some third-degree thermal, chemical, or electrical burns, including cooling, pain control, and dressing application.
• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Cvetkovic manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• 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.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Assessing need for hospitalization versus outpatient management based on severity scores.

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.

• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• 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.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Initiation of empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy for suspected or confirmed severe infections based on clinical presentation and local epidemiology.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Cvetkovic 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 situated within a major hospital in Sherwood Park, AB. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care, conveniently located near the hospital campus and accessible via local public transit serving the hospital. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available, including designated spots for emergency access. Patients can follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department is part of a comprehensive hospital setting, providing 24/7 emergency services and seamless integration with other hospital departments to ensure timely and effective care for urgent health needs within the community.

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

Dr. Cvetkovic, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., 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. Cvetkovic in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Cvetkovic 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 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. Cvetkovic, 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Cvetkovic practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Cvetkovic, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Cvetkovic 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. Cvetkovic, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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. Cvetkovic 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. Cvetkovic or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Cvetkovic's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1683b0cd-c4f9-4e1c-88cc-c60bf1c6219f&i=334