About
Dr. Joseph Aryeh Greenwald is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Scarborough General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He 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. Greenwald graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in Canada. With over 12 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2012, he has honed his skills in high-pressure clinical settings. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification enable him to deliver comprehensive emergency care, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in urgent situations.
His professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care even under pressure. Dr. Greenwald emphasizes effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. He prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs in acute settings, and communicates effectively in both English and Hebrew to serve a diverse community. His dedication to community health in Hamilton underscores his role as a trusted provider in emergency medicine.
Dr. Joseph Greenwald is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Greenwald manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- 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.
- 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.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Greenwald manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- COPD Exacerbation: Ensuring appropriate follow-up care post-discharge from the ER.
- 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).
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Greenwald manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
- 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.
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.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Assessment and management of abrasions, puncture wounds, avulsions, and minor to moderate thermal or chemical burns.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Often utilizing ultrasound guidance to improve success rates and reduce complications during vascular access procedures.
- Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Interpreting initial CSF findings (e.g., cell count, glucose, protein) in the emergency setting to guide immediate treatment.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Assessing for associated cervical spine injuries in patients with head trauma.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Greenwald 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.
Scarborough General Hospital is situated in Hamilton's Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood, serving as a vital healthcare hub for the community. The hospital is conveniently accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), with clear signage directing patients to the ER entry and parking facilities. The Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, equipped to handle high-acuity cases with a dedicated team of emergency medicine professionals. Parking is available on-site with designated spots for emergency access, ensuring prompt arrival and departure for urgent cases. The hospital's ER provides a critical access point for urgent medical care within Hamilton, connected seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services and specialty departments, making it a trusted resource for the community's urgent health needs.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Greenwald 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. Greenwald 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?
- 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. Greenwald, 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.
- 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. Greenwald 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.
- When should I see Dr. Greenwald in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Greenwald 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Greenwald?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Greenwald, is a physician specifically trained to provide immediate medical evaluation and treatment for a wide spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries, ranging from minor concerns to critical, life-threatening emergencies. Their core role involves rapid assessment (triage and diagnosis), stabilization of vital functions, performing necessary emergency procedures, and making crucial decisions about patient disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge). As a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, Dr. Greenwald is highly skilled in managing the unpredictable and often high-pressure environment of the emergency department, working collaboratively with a team of nurses, technicians, and other specialists.
Scarborough General Hospital
237 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2
Hospital Main Line: (905) 527-4322
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Greenwald 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. Greenwald or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Greenwald's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Greenwald-Joseph-Aryeh/0242681-86773