Dr. Sameer Mal – Emergency Room Doctor | London, ON

Dr. Sameer Mal is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at QHC Belleville General Hospital in London, 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). 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. Mal graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has over 11 years of experience working as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2013. 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 extensive training and experience enable him to handle complex emergency cases with confidence and professionalism, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care.

His professional philosophy centers on a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure. Dr. Mal values effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team, adhering to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols. He prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs in acute settings, and communicates effectively in Hindi, Panjabi/Punjabi, in addition to English, to serve the diverse patient population in emergency situations. His dedication is to ensure that every patient receives high-quality, compassionate, and efficient emergency care in London.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Mal manages involving sudden and critical conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels that require immediate medical attention and intervention.

• 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).
• 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): Initial emergency management of acute coronary syndromes, including EKG interpretation, timely administration of aspirin and antiplatelet agents, cardiac biomarker assessment, and reperfusion strategies if indicated.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Mal manages focusing on restoring adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with emergent pulmonary issues.

• Pneumothorax (Spontaneous or Traumatic): Identifying underlying lung conditions (e.g., blebs, bullae, COPD) that may predispose to spontaneous pneumothorax.
• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Initiation of immediate management strategies to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and alleviate respiratory distress.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Mal manages specializing in the initial resuscitation and care of patients with significant or multiple traumatic injuries.

• 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.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Initiating damage control resuscitation principles, including hemorrhage control, blood product administration, and prevention of hypothermia and coagulopathy.

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.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Conducting prompt initial screening and assessment to sort patients by medical priority in a dynamic emergency environment.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Utilizing point-of-care testing (POCT) and bedside imaging to expedite diagnosis in critical and time-sensitive situations.
• Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Tailoring pain relief strategies to individual patient needs and the nature of their acute presentation.
• 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. Mal 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.

QHC Belleville General Hospital is situated in London's Downtown London, North London East neighborhood. The hospital is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC) bus service, with nearby bus stops providing convenient access to the facility. The hospital campus features ample parking, including designated spots for emergency access, ensuring quick entry for urgent cases. The Emergency Department is located within the hospital complex and is fully accessible to all patients. Clear signage directs patients to ER drop-off zones and parking areas. The hospital plays a vital role as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, offering comprehensive hospital services in a modern, well-equipped environment designed to manage high-acuity cases effectively.

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

Dr. Mal 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.

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

Dr. Mal, as a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries, specializes in emergency medicine. This field focuses on the immediate decision-making and action necessary to prevent death or further disability both in the pre-hospital setting (by directing emergency medical services) and in the emergency department. Their primary focus is on diagnosing undifferentiated acute conditions, resuscitating and stabilizing patients who are critically ill or injured, providing pain relief and symptom control, and coordinating comprehensive care for a diverse patient population presenting with urgent medical needs.

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

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

Why are wait times in the Emergency Room sometimes long?

Emergency departments, including the one where Dr. Mal practices, utilize a triage system. This means patients are not seen on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather based on the severity and urgency of their medical condition. Patients with life-threatening injuries or illnesses (like heart attacks, strokes, or major trauma) are always prioritized and seen first. This can result in longer wait times for those with less urgent conditions, especially during peak hours or when the ER is managing multiple critically ill patients. The entire ER team, including Dr. Mal, works diligently to provide care to everyone as quickly and safely as possible.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Mal works, versus seeing my family doctor or going to a walk-in clinic?

Deciding between the ER and other care options depends on severity. The Emergency Room is the correct place for acute, potentially severe conditions like difficulty breathing, chest pain, signs of a stroke, major trauma, severe allergic reactions, or uncontrolled bleeding. For ongoing health issues, minor ailments, or routine care, your family doctor offers continuity. Walk-in clinics can handle less severe acute issues. Dr. Mal and the ER staff are prepared for urgent and life-threatening situations; using the ER appropriately helps ensure timely care for those who need it most. If in doubt about a serious condition, seek emergency assessment.

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

To help Dr. Mal 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.

QHC Belleville General Hospital
800 Commissioners Road East, Department of Anesthesiology
London, ON N6A 5W9

Hospital Main Line: (519) 685-8500

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Mal's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mal-Sameer/0250771-88527