Dr. Maya Capua – Emergency Room Doctor | Toronto, ON

Dr. Maya Capua is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Hea in Toronto, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She focuses on rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families.

Dr. Capua graduated with a Medical Degree from Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University (Israel). She has over 5 years of experience as a Pediatric Emergency Physician, since 2019. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and certifications ensure she maintains the highest standards in pediatric emergency care, incorporating the latest evidence-based practices and protocols.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Capua prioritizes patient safety, advocates for the needs of her young patients, and employs a family-centered approach to pediatric emergency care. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality emergency services to the Toronto community, ensuring that children and their families receive respectful, prompt, and effective care. She delivers emergency care fluently in English.

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

Specific Pediatric Emergencies

Dr. Capua manages handling acute medical conditions that are uniquely prevalent or present differently in infants, children, and adolescents, requiring specialized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

• Acute Respiratory Distress in Infants and Children (e.g., Croup, Bronchiolitis, Foreign Body Aspiration): Rapidly recognizing and responding to signs of impending respiratory failure in children, including potential need for advanced airway management.
• Accidental Ingestions and Poisonings in Children: Promptly contacting local Poison Control Centers for expert guidance on specific ingestions and management protocols.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Capua manages related to urgent cardiac or vascular issues, such as acute chest pain, suspected heart attacks, severe arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises.

• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Providing immediate care for patients at risk of cardiac arrest due to arrhythmias.
• 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.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Capua manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.

• Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
• 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.

• Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies: Differentiating between common childhood illnesses and more serious underlying conditions requiring further investigation or admission.
• 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: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
• Pediatric Resuscitation (PALS/APLS): Demonstrating expertise in pediatric airway management (including age-appropriate equipment), vascular access techniques (including intraosseous), and accurate medication dosing in emergency pediatric scenarios.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Administering appropriate antimicrobial agents for a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections presenting emergently.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Capua 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.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Hea in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood offers a high-acuity care environment within a vibrant urban setting. The Emergency Department is situated near landmarks such as Osgoode Hall, making it accessible via multiple modes of public transportation including TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). The hospital is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear hospital signage guides patients to ER drop-off zones and parking facilities. This department functions as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrating seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely and effective treatment for pediatric emergencies.

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Capua 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. Capua 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. Capua 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. Capua 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. Capua 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. Capua, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Capua 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. Capua as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.

Does the Emergency Room where Dr. Capua works provide specialized care for children?

Yes, Dr. Capua is a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children. With specialized training and expertise in treating infants, children, and adolescents in emergency situations, the Emergency Department is equipped with pediatric-specific medical equipment and resources. The staff are experienced in addressing the unique physiological and emotional needs of young patients.

Centre for Addiction and Mental Hea
555 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8

Hospital Main Line: (416) 813-7654

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Capua is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician 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. Capua or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Capua's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Capua-Maya/0327671-119523