Dr. Melissa Mary Bouwsema – Emergency Room Doctor | Kingston, ON

Dr. Melissa Mary Bouwsema 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 Kingston, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Bouwsema's role involves the rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions across all age groups. She expertly manages time-sensitive situations, performs necessary emergency procedures, and coordinates care efficiently within the fast-paced ER environment. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 to provide critical care for urgent and life-threatening conditions. Patients are seen based on the severity of their condition, as determined through a triage process.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary in Canada and has been practicing as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2023, accumulating over a year of dedicated experience. Dr. Bouwsema is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her training and certifications ensure she maintains the highest standards of emergency medical practice, continually updating her skills to meet the evolving needs of her patients and the community.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing rapid, accurate assessments in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and promoting effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Bouwsema is committed to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care fluently in English and is dedicated to serving the Kingston community through compassionate, efficient, and high-quality medical care.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• 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 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.
• 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. Bouwsema manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.
• COPD Exacerbation: Optimizing outpatient COPD management and providing smoking cessation advice to prevent future exacerbations.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Bouwsema manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.

• Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
• 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.

• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Troubleshooting and managing potential complications of indwelling vascular catheters.
• Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Providing varying depths of sedation tailored to the specific procedure and patient needs.

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

The Emergency Department in Kingston is situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood. It is conveniently located near Confederation Park and accessible via Kingston Transit, making it easy for community members to reach. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with clear signage guiding visitors to ER patient drop-off and parking facilities. Hospital parking is available with designated spots for emergency access. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely and effective treatment for all emergencies.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Bouwsema, 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.

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

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

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

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. Bouwsema 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. Bouwsema works?

If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Bouwsema and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Bouwsema 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.

Unit 101, 76 Stuart Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

Hospital Main Line: (613) 598-2368

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Bouwsema's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Bouwsema-Melissa-Mary/0324551-115439