Dr. John Douglas Graham

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

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Graham manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Effective initial pain management, timely closed reduction of simple joint dislocations (often under procedural sedation), and appropriate immobilization using splints, casts, or slings to protect the injured area.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Graham 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): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.
• 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).
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Graham manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Utilizing bedside diagnostics like chest X-ray, ultrasound, and arterial blood gas analysis to guide assessment.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.

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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Performing swift medical evaluations in the emergency setting to quickly ascertain the nature and severity of a patient's condition.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Graham 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 situated in Brampton’s Queen Street Corridor East, in the Bramalea Woods neighborhood. The hospital’s Emergency Department is a vital access point for urgent medical care within the community, serving as a gateway for patients requiring immediate attention. The facility is easily accessible via Brampton Transit, including Züm BRT services, and is conveniently located near the Brampton Flying Club. Ample hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off points and parking areas. The Emergency Department is a high-acuity environment that is fully accessible to all patients, equipped to handle a broad range of urgent health issues in a safe and efficient manner. It functions as a critical component of the hospital’s comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring rapid response to urgent medical needs in the community.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Graham 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. Graham 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.

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

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Graham, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Graham 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. Graham in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Graham 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.

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. Graham 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.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre
366 Main Street North
Brampton, ON L6V 1P8

Hospital Main Line: (905) 455-1455

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Graham is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) 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. Graham or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Graham's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Graham-John-Douglas/0051097-65076