Dr. Jeffrey Gi-Gein Shih – Emergency Room Doctor | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Jeffrey Gi-Gein Shih is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Scarborough, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He holds a license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), license number 107982. Dr. Shih 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.

Dr. Shih graduated with a Medical Degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science in the United States. With over 9 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2015, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of acute medical care. He is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his expertise and adherence to the highest standards of medical practice.

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. Shih is dedicated to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for the needs of his patients in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the community of Scarborough with dedication and integrity.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Identifying and treating precipitating factors for heart failure decompensation.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Shih 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).
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Shih 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.

• 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.
• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Careful examination to rule out more serious underlying injuries, such as fractures, compartment syndrome, or tendon ruptures.

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.

• 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.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Evaluating neurovascular status distal to injuries to identify and manage complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Surgical skill in performing chest tube insertion and managing the drainage system.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.

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

Peterborough Regional Health Centre is a major hospital in the Scarborough neighborhood, situated conveniently close to the hospital campus. Accessible via local public transit serving the hospital, the Emergency Department is designed to serve as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community. The hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access, and signage directs patients to ER drop-off and parking areas. The ER provides comprehensive emergency care and is integrated with the hospital's broader medical services, ensuring timely treatment for urgent health issues in a high-acuity environment. The facility operates 24/7, ensuring community members can access emergency services whenever needed.

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

Dr. Shih, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., 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.

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. Shih, 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Shih works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Shih and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.

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

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Shih and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
3050 Lawrence Avenue East
Scarborough, ON M1P 2V5

Hospital Main Line: (416) 495-2400

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Shih's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Shih-Jeffrey-GiGein/0305497-107982