Dr. Mark Sanderson – Emergency Room Doctor | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Mark Sanderson is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Red Deer, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Sanderson 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.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2016. Dr. Sanderson holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor, having completed extensive postgraduate training and obtained the necessary certifications to practice in Alberta. He is committed to maintaining the highest standards of emergency medical practice, ensuring that every patient receives timely and effective care during their most critical moments.

Dr. Sanderson’s 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. He adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. Additionally, he communicates fluently in both English and French, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population effectively. His dedication to community health and emergency medicine drives his commitment to delivering exemplary care to the residents of Red Deer.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Sanderson 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 Heart Failure Exacerbation: Stabilization of patients with decompensated heart failure using intravenous diuretics, vasodilators, supplemental oxygen, and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation if required.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Sanderson manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Assessing severity of exacerbation using objective measures like peak expiratory flow rate.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Sanderson 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.

• Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Careful assessment of neurovascular status distal to injuries to promptly identify and manage any compromise.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.

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.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Performing therapeutic lumbar puncture in specific situations such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri).
• 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: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Initial clinical and radiological assessment, effective pain control, and appropriate immobilization (splinting, casting, or slings) of suspected or confirmed bone fractures and joint dislocations.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Coordinating a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including lab and imaging, to clarify acute medical presentations.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Expert airway management, including endotracheal intubation, cricothyrotomy, and initiation of mechanical ventilation support in acute respiratory emergencies.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Sanderson 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 Red Deer is situated in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood, conveniently accessible via the Major North-South Arterial. The facility is easily reachable by Red Deer Transit, with clear signage guiding patients to the ER entrance. The hospital provides ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Patients can follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking areas. The Emergency Department is a vital community resource, offering 24/7 urgent medical care and integrated with comprehensive hospital services to serve the health needs of residents in Red Deer and surrounding areas. The ER environment is designed to handle high-acuity cases efficiently and compassionately, ensuring rapid response to life-threatening conditions.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Sanderson 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.

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

Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Sanderson, 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. Sanderson 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. Sanderson 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.

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. Sanderson, 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.

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

3942 50A AVE
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Hospital Main Line: (403) 343-4422

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Sanderson is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor 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. Sanderson or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Sanderson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=06290e45-fa89-4921-9ec8-ea55665f8dba&i=1275