Dr. James Edward Andruchow – Emergency Room Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. James Edward Andruchow 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 Calgary, 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. Andruchow 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 an MD from McGill University in 2007 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor. Dr. Andruchow has completed extensive post-graduate training and possesses the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Alberta. His certifications include advanced training in emergency procedures, trauma management, and critical care, ensuring he is well-equipped to handle complex emergencies.

Dr. Andruchow’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. He strictly adheres to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care in English and is dedicated to serving the Calgary community with professionalism and empathy.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Andruchow manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• 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.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Rapid evaluation and risk stratification of patients presenting with chest pain to rule out or confirm life-threatening causes like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), unstable angina, or pulmonary embolism.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Andruchow 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): Assessment and management of bruises (contusions), collections of blood in tissues (hematomas), and ligamentous sprains or muscle/tendon strains.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.

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.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Managing potential complications like post-LP headache.
• 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.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Implementing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) interventions as required.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injury), including symptom assessment and providing patient education on cognitive/physical rest, recovery, and graduated return-to-activity/play.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Andruchow 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 Calgary's NW neighborhood, including Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington), is conveniently situated near The Bow Tower. Easily accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), the hospital's facilities are designed for high-acuity care delivery. The hospital provides ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access, clearly marked by hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure rapid response and quality treatment for all patients in need.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Andruchow 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. Andruchow, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Andruchow 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. Andruchow and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Andruchow, a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. They are experts at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. They manage everything from severe trauma and cardiac arrests to less critical but still urgent issues, ensuring patients are stabilized and receive appropriate next steps in their care.

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

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Andruchow 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.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Andruchow, to send a detailed summary of your ER visit to your designated family doctor, provided you share their contact information during registration. This report typically includes the reason for your visit, significant findings, any treatments administered, and recommendations for follow-up. This ensures continuity of care and keeps your family doctor informed about important changes in your health status. Following up with your family doctor after an ER visit is usually recommended.

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. Andruchow, 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.

1403 29 St NW, C-231 Department of Emergency Medicine
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Hospital Main Line: (587) 215-7320

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Andruchow's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fa4794f4-c0ba-4f11-a3d8-a0bcdf8defed&i=89