Dr. Jean-Christophe Ghazal 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 Medicine Hat, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Ghazal 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 has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Alberta. Dr. Ghazal graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Ottawa in 2012 and holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor. His education and certification ensure he is well-equipped to handle complex emergency cases with competence and professionalism.
Dr. Ghazal’s professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is dedicated to prioritizing patient safety, advocating for patient needs in acute settings, and adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Additionally, Dr. Ghazal communicates effectively in both English and French, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population in emergency situations with clarity and compassion.
Dr. Jean-Christophe Ghazal is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Ghazal manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- 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: Identifying and addressing potential underlying causes of acute severe hypertension and arranging appropriate follow-up.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Ghazal manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- 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.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Ghazal 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): Leading or playing a key role in the initial resuscitation, assessment, and stabilization of patients who have sustained multiple severe injuries (polytrauma).
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care, weight-bearing status, and orthopedic follow-up.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.
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 Head Injuries and Concussions: Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Careful monitoring of patients undergoing procedural sedation for interventions such as fracture reductions, large abscess drainage, or electrical cardioversion.
- Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Systematic primary and secondary trauma surveys (following ATLS principles) to identify and address life-threatening injuries promptly.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Ghazal 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 Medicine Hat is situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood. It serves as a vital healthcare hub within the community, providing urgent medical care in a modern, fully accessible facility. The department is conveniently located near Medicine Hat College and is easily accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access. Patients can follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The Emergency Department is a critical access point for urgent health issues, equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals to serve the community’s needs effectively and efficiently.
- 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. Ghazal 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. Ghazal as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Ghazal works?
- To help Dr. Ghazal 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ghazal?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ghazal, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Ghazal 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. Ghazal, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Ghazal?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Ghazal 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.
666 5 St SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6
Hospital Main Line: (403) 529-8000
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Ghazal 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. Ghazal or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Ghazal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1f5aa8fd-4edf-4752-a4ba-ddc1fb35c4c1&i=512