About
Dr. Michael K Wong is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Credit Valley Hospital in Barrie, ON, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that all care provided meets rigorous professional criteria. Dr. Wong specializes 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. His role involves 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 comprehensive urgent care, with patients seen based on the severity of their condition as determined by a triage process.
Dr. Wong graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). With over 3 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2021, he brings a wealth of clinical expertise and dedication to his practice. He is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His certifications include advanced training in emergency medicine, enabling him to deliver comprehensive urgent care and perform a wide range of emergency procedures safely and effectively.
His professional philosophy centers on providing rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and maintaining effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Wong is committed to adherence to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care in English and is dedicated to serving the community of Barrie with professionalism, empathy, and a focus on patient-centered outcomes.
Dr. Michael Wong is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Wong manages addressing emergent conditions of the cardiovascular system that can lead to significant morbidity or mortality if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Application of established chest pain protocols to ensure efficient and effective care.
- 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.
- 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 Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Wong manages addressing critical illnesses of the airways and lungs that are frequently encountered and stabilized in the emergency department.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Providing patient education on anticoagulation and follow-up post-diagnosis.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Wong manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Providing anticipatory guidance regarding potential post-concussive symptoms and when to seek further medical attention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., Contusions, Hematomas, Sprains): Assessment and management of bruises (contusions), collections of blood in tissues (hematomas), and ligamentous sprains or muscle/tendon strains.
- Minor and Major Lacerations, Abrasions, and Burns: Evaluation and care for abrasions and puncture wounds, including foreign body assessment.
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.
- Care for Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Diseases: Providing emergency interventions for complications arising from long-term medical conditions, aiming to restore baseline health status.
- Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Troubleshooting and managing potential complications of indwelling vascular catheters.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Implementing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) interventions as required.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Performing swift medical evaluations in the emergency setting to quickly ascertain the nature and severity of a patient's condition.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Providing clear instructions for cast/splint care and follow-up appointments.
- Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Safe and effective administration of sedative and analgesic medications to facilitate patient comfort and cooperation during uncomfortable or painful procedures in the ER.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Wong 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.
Credit Valley Hospital is situated in Barrie's Downtown Barrie, East Bayfield neighborhood. The hospital is easily accessible from Allandale Waterfront GO Station and is well served by Barrie Transit. The Emergency Department is located within the hospital complex, with clear signage guiding patients to the ER entrance. The hospital offers ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Visitors and patients are advised to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking options. The ER provides a high-acuity care environment, equipped to handle urgent and life-threatening conditions, and is a vital access point for emergency medical services within the community. The facility is fully accessible to all patients, ensuring barrier-free access to emergency care.
- When should I see Dr. Wong in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Wong 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. Wong as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- The length of your wait in the ER is determined by a medical sorting process called triage, which Dr. Wong and the team follow. This system ensures that the sickest patients receive care first. Factors like the number of patients currently in the ER, the severity of their conditions, and the availability of treatment rooms and staff can all impact wait times. While it can be difficult to wait, please know that the emergency team is working hard to attend to every patient based on medical priority.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Wong?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Wong 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. Wong 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. Wong and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
Credit Valley Hospital
201 Georgian Dr, General Internal Medicine
Barrie, ON L4M 6M2
Hospital Main Line: (705) 728-9802
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Wong 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. Wong or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Wong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wong-Michael-K/0310785-109349