About
Dr. Magdalena Lisztwan is an experienced Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Lethbridge, AB, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Lisztwan's role involves 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, with patients being seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined by a triage process.
She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2003 and has completed extensive post-graduate training. Dr. Lisztwan holds the specialty certification as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM), ensuring her expertise in emergency medicine practice within Alberta. Her certifications and ongoing education support her ability to deliver evidence-based, safe, and effective emergency care.
Dr. Lisztwan's professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. She is dedicated to prioritizing patient safety, advocating for patient needs in acute settings, and adhering to the latest emergency medicine protocols. She delivers emergency care in English, with a focus on ensuring all patients receive timely, respectful, and high-quality treatment in the community of Lethbridge.
Dr. Magdalena Lisztwan 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. Lisztwan 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: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Providing advice on the principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and appropriate analgesia for acute soft tissue injuries.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Lisztwan manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Maintaining a high index of suspicion for these conditions in patients presenting with severe, tearing chest, back, or abdominal pain, or unexplained syncope.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Lisztwan manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
- COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
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.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Addressing acute deteriorations in patients with known chronic diseases, often requiring adjustment of their usual therapies.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Prompt and effective symptom control for distressing conditions such as severe nausea, vomiting, acute shortness of breath, or systemic allergic reactions.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Lisztwan 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
The Emergency Department in Lethbridge's Downtown Lethbridge East neighborhood is situated within the hospital complex, easily accessible via major transit routes and with designated hospital parking for emergency access. The ED is in close proximity to the ENMAX Centre (Arena), making it convenient for those attending events or in need of urgent care nearby. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage guiding visitors to patient drop-off zones and parking areas. The facility is a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community, providing comprehensive emergency services integrated with hospital specialties and outpatient care.
- 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. Lisztwan 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 is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Lisztwan?
- An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Lisztwan, 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 an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, Dr. Lisztwan 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.
- When should I see Dr. Lisztwan in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Lisztwan 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Lisztwan?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Lisztwan, 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 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. Lisztwan as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Lisztwan works?
- When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Lisztwan 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Lisztwan 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. Lisztwan 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.
960 19 St S, Chinook Regional Hospital
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Hospital Main Line: (403) 388-6300
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Lisztwan is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Lisztwan or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Lisztwan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=22a0e565-51b2-454d-b9cb-fb1e98fd955e&i=871