About
Dr. Kevin Sliwowicz is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Fudger House Long Term Care in Toronto, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. His practice adheres strictly 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. Sliwowicz graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in Canada. With over 27 years of experience as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) since 1997, he has honed his expertise in emergency medicine. He is recognized as a CFPC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification ensure he is well-equipped to handle a variety of urgent medical situations with professionalism and compassion.
His professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Sliwowicz adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, always prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He is dedicated to serving the Toronto community by delivering timely, effective emergency care in English, ensuring every patient receives respectful and empathetic treatment during their most vulnerable moments.
Dr. Kevin Sliwowicz 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. Sliwowicz 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Sliwowicz manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Sliwowicz manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- 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).
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
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: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Managing acute flare-ups of chronic conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, diabetes (e.g., DKA, HHS), or sickle cell crisis.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Sliwowicz 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.
Fudger House Long Term Care is situated in Toronto’s Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighbourhood, offering convenient access within the city. The hospital’s Emergency Department is located in a modern facility designed to handle high-acuity cases with efficiency. It is easily accessible via TTC services, including the Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes. The hospital provides ample parking, with designated spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care in the community and is integrated with a comprehensive hospital system to ensure seamless patient management and follow-up care. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring barrier-free access for individuals with mobility challenges.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Sliwowicz 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. Sliwowicz and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Sliwowicz?
- Dr. Sliwowicz, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, 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.
- When should I see Dr. Sliwowicz in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Sliwowicz practices, is designed for urgent and emergency situations—conditions that require immediate medical intervention to prevent serious harm or death. Your family doctor, on the other hand, provides comprehensive primary care, including treatment for common illnesses, management of long-term health conditions, immunizations, and preventative screening. For problems that are not immediate emergencies, your family doctor can provide more personalized and continuous care. If you have a non-urgent issue, the ER may involve a long wait.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Sliwowicz works?
- When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Sliwowicz and the medical team if you can provide an accurate list of all medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), a list of any allergies you have, and details of any important past medical conditions or surgeries. If you are accompanying someone else, try to have this information for them.
- 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. Sliwowicz 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. Sliwowicz?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Sliwowicz 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.
- 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. Sliwowicz as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
Fudger House Long Term Care
200 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Hospital Main Line: (416) 340-3856
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Sliwowicz 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. Sliwowicz or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Sliwowicz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sliwowicz-Kevin/0043788-57766