Dr. Michael Arthur Austin – Emergency Room Doctor | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Michael Arthur Austin is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at North York General Hospital in Ottawa, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO) and is licensed under license number 93761. Dr. Austin's role involves 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 Medical Degree from the University of Tasmania in Australia. With over nine years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2015, Dr. Austin has developed a comprehensive skill set in acute care. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His expertise encompasses a wide range of emergency medical procedures and management strategies, ensuring that patients receive timely, effective, and evidence-based care during their critical moments.

Dr. Austin's professional philosophy is centered on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. He is committed to adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for his patients' needs in the acute setting. His dedication to community health in Ottawa drives his ongoing commitment to delivering exemplary emergency care in English.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Austin manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• COPD Exacerbation: Identifying and addressing potential triggers for the exacerbation, such as respiratory infections or environmental exposures.
• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Diagnosis and management of a collapsed lung (air in the pleural space), which can be spontaneous or result from trauma.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Monitoring response to therapy closely and adjusting treatment accordingly.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Austin manages employing evidence-based approaches to treat musculoskeletal trauma and facilitate appropriate follow-up.

• 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: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
• Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with head injuries, including detailed neurological assessment (e.g., GCS, cranial nerve exam) and application of clinical decision rules (e.g., Canadian CT Head Rule) to determine the need for CT imaging.

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.

• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Careful monitoring of patients undergoing procedural sedation for interventions such as fracture reductions, large abscess drainage, or electrical cardioversion.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and stabilization of patients with single or multiple injuries from accidents, falls, assaults, or other traumatic events.
• Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Surgical skill in performing chest tube insertion and managing the drainage system.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Performing closed reduction of simple dislocations, often under procedural sedation, to restore anatomical alignment.
• Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.

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

North York General Hospital is situated in Ottawa's Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. It is conveniently accessible via public transit, including OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus), with the hospital located near major thoroughfares and community hubs. The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, offering a high-acuity care environment equipped for urgent and emergent cases. Visitors and patients can find designated parking spots for emergency access, with clear signage directing ER patient drop-off and parking areas. The hospital plays a vital role as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services, ensuring timely and effective treatment for those in need.

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

Dr. Austin 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.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Austin in the Emergency Room, a report of your visit is generally forwarded to your primary care physician, especially if follow-up care or medication adjustments are necessary. To facilitate this, please make sure the ER registration staff have the correct contact details for your family doctor.

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

What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Austin 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. Austin 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.

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

An Emergency Room Doctor, such as Dr. Austin, 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 Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., Dr. Austin 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.

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

North York General Hospital
501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Hospital Main Line: (613) 737-8899

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Austin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Austin-Michael-Arthur/0266900-93761