About
Dr. Philip John Ukrainetz is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Phil Ukrainetz Clinic Calgary in Calgary, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), he plays a vital role in providing urgent medical services. He is skilled 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. 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. Ukrainetz graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 1998. He holds specialty certification as an Emergency Room Doctor and maintains key certifications including Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine (FRCPC). His extensive training and certifications enable him to deliver expert emergency care while adhering to the highest standards of medical practice.
His professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and ensuring effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Ukrainetz is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He delivers emergency care fluently in English and is committed to serving the Calgary community with professionalism and compassion.
Dr. Philip Ukrainetz is experienced in assessing and managing a wide array of acute medical and surgical emergencies, including (but not limited to):
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Ukrainetz manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Urgent management of severely elevated blood pressure (hypertensive crisis) associated with evidence of acute or ongoing end-organ damage (e.g., encephalopathy, stroke, myocardial ischemia, acute kidney injury).
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Stabilization of patients presenting with symptomatic or life-threatening tachyarrhythmias (e.g., VT, SVT) or bradyarrhythmias (e.g., complete heart block).
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Ukrainetz manages evaluating and treating sudden onset or severe worsening of breathing difficulties from various causes.
- Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Selection of appropriate empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy based on severity, risk factors, and local pathogen susceptibility patterns, along with supportive care.
- Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Comprehensive evaluation of patients presenting with sudden or severe difficulty breathing to rapidly determine the underlying physiological cause.
Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Dr. Ukrainetz 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.
- Head Trauma / Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury): Prompt recognition and stabilization of patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, diffuse axonal injury), including measures to manage increased intracranial pressure and rapid coordination with neurosurgical and critical care teams.
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: Rapid hemodynamic stabilization using intravenous fluid resuscitation, vasopressor therapy, and timely administration of blood products.
- Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Performing closed reduction of simple dislocations, often under procedural sedation, to restore anatomical alignment.
- Chest Tube Insertion (Tube Thoracostomy): Surgical skill in performing chest tube insertion and managing the drainage system.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Identifying and initiating immediate management for critical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke (CVA), severe infections (sepsis), and acute respiratory failure.
- Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Assessing for associated cervical spine injuries in patients with head trauma.
- Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Ukrainetz 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.
Phil Ukrainetz Clinic Calgary is situated in Calgary's NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighbourhood. The clinic's emergency department is conveniently accessible, located near Foothills Medical Centre, with easy access via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, Bus, and BRT services. The hospital's Emergency Department 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 areas. This facility serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community and is integrated with comprehensive hospital services, ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality emergency treatment in a state-of-the-art environment.
- Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?
- Wait times in the Emergency Room can fluctuate significantly due to several factors. The primary reason is the triage process: patients with the most severe and time-sensitive conditions are treated immediately. If many critically ill patients arrive simultaneously, or if the department is experiencing high patient volumes or staffing challenges, those with less acute problems may face longer waits. Dr. Ukrainetz and the ER staff understand that waiting can be frustrating and are committed to providing efficient care while ensuring the safety and well-being of all patients.
- 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. Ukrainetz as quickly as possible. They may also initiate some basic tests or interventions while you wait.
- When should I see Dr. Ukrainetz in the ER versus my family doctor for a health issue?
- Dr. Ukrainetz 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. Ukrainetz?
- Yes, it is standard practice for the Emergency Room, including when you are seen by Dr. Ukrainetz, 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. Ukrainetz works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?
- You should visit the ER for conditions that you believe could be life-threatening, limb-threatening, or could cause serious harm if not treated quickly. This includes symptoms like sudden severe pain (especially chest, abdominal, or head), difficulty breathing, suspected broken bones from a significant injury, uncontrolled bleeding, sudden changes in vision or neurological function, or if you've been advised to go by another healthcare provider. For less urgent concerns like mild colds, chronic pain management, or routine follow-ups, your family physician or a local urgent care/walk-in clinic is the better choice. ERs prioritize the most critical patients, meaning wait times for non-urgent issues can be considerable. The team, including Dr. Ukrainetz, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ukrainetz?
- The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Ukrainetz, a trained emergency physician, 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.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Ukrainetz works?
- When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Ukrainetz 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.
Phil Ukrainetz Clinic Calgary
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Hospital Main Line: (403) 944-1110
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Ukrainetz is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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. Ukrainetz or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Ukrainetz's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=73b1da40-4588-4906-a688-8c05b135bf0a&i=1472