Dr. Matthew Alexander Grabove – Emergency Room Doctor | Calgary, AB

Dr. Matthew Alexander Grabove 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 Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and is dedicated to providing prompt, effective, and compassionate care in urgent situations. His role involves 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 seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process.

Dr. Grabove graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Memorial University in 2004. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His certification signifies his expertise in managing the complex and high-pressure environment of emergency medicine, ensuring he is well-equipped to handle a wide range of urgent health issues.

His professional philosophy is rooted in a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Grabove adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizes patient safety, and advocates for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care confidently in English, dedicated to serving the community of Calgary with professionalism and empathy.

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

• 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.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Grabove manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
• 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. Grabove manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Utilizing chest imaging and microbiological studies to confirm diagnosis and guide therapy.
• 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.

• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Facilitating rapid relief and management for patients whose chronic health issues have suddenly worsened.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Grabove 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 Calgary's SE: Mahogany, Auburn Bay neighborhood is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to urgent medical care. Conveniently situated near Historic Buildings and accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT), the hospital provides comprehensive emergency services in a high-acuity environment. The hospital's ER is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking areas. As a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community, the Emergency Department is integrated with the hospital's extensive healthcare services, ensuring timely and coordinated care for all patients.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Grabove?

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Grabove, 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 Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, Dr. Grabove 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. Grabove in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Grabove 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 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. Grabove 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. Grabove works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Grabove, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

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

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Grabove and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.

4448 Front St SE
Calgary, AB T3M 1M4

Hospital Main Line: (403) 956-1111

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Grabove 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. Grabove or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Grabove's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=e4a11332-75f3-4354-839c-7a8a9b983b86&i=539