Dr. Marc Afilalo – Emergency Room Doctor | Montréal, QC

Dr. Marc Afilalo is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital Général Juif - Sir M.B. Davis, Urgence in Montréal, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring safe and effective patient care. His role encompasses the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. This includes managing time-sensitive situations, performing necessary emergency procedures, and coordinating care efficiently within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide critical care for urgent and life-threatening conditions, with patients seen based on the severity of their presentation as determined by a triage process.

Dr. Afilalo holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 44 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 1980. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Room Doctor in Quebec, including licensure from the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His professional development reflects a commitment to continuous learning and adherence to the highest standards of emergency medicine practice.

Dedicated to providing compassionate, rapid, and accurate assessments in critical situations, Dr. Afilalo emphasizes effective teamwork and clear communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for the needs of his patients during their most vulnerable moments. Fluent in French, Dr. Afilalo ensures that his patients receive respectful and comprehensive emergency care tailored to their needs.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Afilalo manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Emergency management of sudden worsening of chronic heart failure symptoms, typically presenting as severe shortness of breath (dyspnea), fluid overload (edema), and orthopnea.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Afilalo manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Risk stratification of PE to guide treatment intensity and disposition.
• COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Afilalo manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• 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.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Diagnosis and initial management of concussions (mild traumatic brain injuries), emphasizing patient and family education regarding symptoms, expected recovery course, cognitive and physical rest, and criteria for graduated return-to-play/activity/school.

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.

• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Utilizing a multimodal approach to pain management, including regional nerve blocks and procedural sedation when appropriate for the emergency setting.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Arranging timely orthopedic consultation or transfer for definitive fracture management, complex reductions, or surgical intervention.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Skilled insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) for indications such as rapid fluid resuscitation, administration of vasoactive medications, or hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Afilalo 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Hôpital Général Juif - Sir M.B. Davis, Urgence is situated in Montréal's Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood. The hospital’s Emergency Department is a vital access point for urgent medical care within the community, offering comprehensive services in a high-acuity environment. Located close to Little Italy, it is easily accessible via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro and Bus routes. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, with hospital parking available and designated spots for emergency access. Patients are directed to follow hospital signage for ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. As a critical component of the hospital's healthcare services, the Emergency Department operates around the clock to serve the diverse needs of the community, ensuring timely and effective emergency care in a well-equipped setting.

When should I see Dr. Afilalo in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

Dr. Afilalo 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. Afilalo?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Afilalo, a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., 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.

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. Afilalo as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Afilalo 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. Afilalo 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.

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Afilalo practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Afilalo, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Afilalo, 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Afilalo works?

To help Dr. Afilalo and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.

Hôpital Général Juif - Sir M.B. Davis, Urgence
H186-3755 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1E2

Hospital Main Line: (514) 340-8222

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Afilalo is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Afilalo or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Afilalo's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=80057