About
Dr. Peter Toth 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 University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Mississauga, 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). His primary focus is 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.
Dr. Toth graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. With over 26 years of experience as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) since 1998, he has developed a deep expertise in emergency medicine. He is recognized as a CFPC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with the highest professional standards and ongoing certification requirements.
His professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Toth adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He also communicates effectively in Slovak, in addition to English, to serve the diverse community of Mississauga. His dedication is to provide exemplary acute care, ensuring each patient receives timely, respectful, and effective treatment.
Dr. Peter Toth 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. Toth manages managing acute fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, open wounds, and other traumatic conditions with a focus on preventing complications and promoting healing.
- Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Arranging for definitive surgical care or transfer to a designated trauma center as appropriate.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Effective initial pain management, timely closed reduction of simple joint dislocations (often under procedural sedation), and appropriate immobilization using splints, casts, or slings to protect the injured area.
- 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.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Toth manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Monitoring vital signs and end-organ function closely during treatment.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Toth manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.
- Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Emergency treatment of tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Prioritizing life-threatening causes of dyspnea for rapid intervention.
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: Stabilizing patients with decompensated chronic illnesses and coordinating appropriate ongoing care or hospital admission.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Focusing on rapid alleviation of severe symptoms to improve patient comfort and facilitate further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
- Resuscitation and Stabilization of Critically Ill Patients: Application of evidence-based resuscitation protocols to optimize outcomes for critically ill and injured patients.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Immediate evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department to determine urgency and prioritize care based on acuity.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Toth 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.
Dr. Toth practices in the Emergency Department at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, located in the Churchill Meadows neighborhood of Mississauga, ON. The hospital is situated near the scenic Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, offering easy access via MiWay (Mississauga Transit). The facility is fully accessible to all patients, with parking available including designated spots for emergency access. Hospital signage directs patients to ER drop-off and parking areas. The Emergency Department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure seamless patient care and safety.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Toth works?
- To help Dr. Toth and the ER staff provide the best care, please bring your government-issued health card. A list of all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, is also vital. Knowing your allergies and any chronic health conditions or previous major surgeries will also help the team. If you regularly see other specialists, their contact information might also be useful.
- What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?
- The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Toth, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.
- 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. Toth 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.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Toth?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Toth, a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions, is to care for patients with acute medical problems that require immediate attention. He is an expert at quickly assessing patients, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, initiating life-saving treatments, and performing a variety of emergency procedures. He manages 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.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Toth 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. Toth and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- When should I see Dr. Toth in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- The Emergency Room, where Dr. Toth 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.
- Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Toth?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Toth, 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.
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Suite H2410, 2200 Eglinton Avenue West
Mississauga, ON L5M 2W1
Hospital Main Line: (905) 813-1100
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Toth is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) 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. Toth or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Toth's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Toth-Peter/0051184-65163