Dr. Jennifer Clara Tang is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Toronto Grace Recover Program in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Tang 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.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 10 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2014, she has honed her expertise in emergency medicine. Dr. Tang is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her advanced training and commitment to excellence in emergency care.
Driven by a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, Dr. Tang provides compassionate care under pressure. She emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. Her focus remains on prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Dr. Tang delivers emergency care fluently in English, ensuring clear communication with patients and families.
Dr. Jennifer Tang is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Tang manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
- 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.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Tang manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Rapid diagnostic workup (e.g., Wells score, PERC rule, D-dimer testing, CT pulmonary angiography, or V/Q scan) for patients with suspected blood clots in the lungs (PE).
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Interventions may include observation for small pneumothoraces, needle aspiration for symptomatic relief, or chest tube (thoracostomy) insertion for larger or tension pneumothoraces.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Tang manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Concurrent assessment for associated injuries, particularly cervical spine trauma, in all patients with significant head injuries.
- 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.
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): Performing diagnostic lumbar punctures to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the analysis and diagnosis of suspected central nervous system infections (meningitis, encephalitis), subarachnoid hemorrhage, or certain neurological conditions.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
- 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. Tang 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.
Toronto Grace Recover Program is situated in Hamilton's Hamilton North End, Beasley neighbourhood, offering accessible and comprehensive emergency care. The facility is in close proximity to Dundurn Castle National Historic Site, making it easily reachable by public transportation, including Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage directing to ER patient drop-off and parking areas. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community and integrates seamlessly with the hospital's wide range of healthcare services.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Tang 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. Tang 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.
- 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. Tang as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- 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. Tang 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Tang?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Tang, 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Tang?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Tang, a trained emergency physician, is to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries. She is an expert at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing emergency procedures. She manages 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. Tang in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Tang 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.
Toronto Grace Recover Program
3rd Floor, 237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2
Hospital Main Line: (905) 521-2100
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Tang 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. Tang or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Tang's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Tang-Jennifer-Clara/0258179-90539