About
Dr. James Douglas Chisholm 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 Collingwood, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His role involves 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.
Dr. Chisholm graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 25 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1999, he has honed his skills in managing complex emergency cases. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience enable him to provide expert emergency care with confidence and compassion.
His professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Chisholm is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He is committed to delivering emergency care in English and serving the community of Collingwood with professionalism and empathy.
Dr. James Chisholm is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Chisholm manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Addressing acute pulmonary edema and potential cardiogenic shock associated with severe heart failure exacerbations.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Chisholm manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- COPD Exacerbation: Careful assessment for signs of respiratory failure and the need for supplemental oxygen or ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive).
- Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Chisholm manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Meticulous cleaning, assessment of depth and contamination, and appropriate repair of skin wounds, including suturing, stapling, or application of tissue adhesives.
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.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Expertise in diagnosing a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries that present to the emergency department, including those with atypical presentations.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Skilled insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) for indications such as rapid fluid resuscitation, administration of vasoactive medications, or hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Chisholm 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 at Collingwood is situated within a major hospital in Collingwood, ON. It serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is conveniently located near the hospital campus. The facility is accessible via local public transit serving the hospital, ensuring ease of access for patients. The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking areas. The department operates 24/7, providing comprehensive emergency services as part of the hospital's integrated healthcare system, with all necessary resources for urgent and critical care.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Chisholm 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. Chisholm, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Chisholm?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Chisholm 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.
- When should I see Dr. Chisholm in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Chisholm 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Chisholm?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Chisholm, 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. Chisholm 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.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Chisholm works?
- To help Dr. Chisholm 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 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. Chisholm, 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.
459 Hume Street
Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W9
Hospital Main Line: (705) 445-2550
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Chisholm 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. Chisholm or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Chisholm's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chisholm-James-Douglas/0056652-68240