Dr. Serena Sennik – Emergency Room Doctor | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Serena Sennik is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at the Emergency Department in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Sennik 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. Sennik graduated with a Medical Degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine. She has over 11 years of experience working as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2013. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her practice aligns with the highest standards of emergency medicine in Canada.

Her professional philosophy centers on rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Sennik is dedicated to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. She delivers emergency care fluently in English, with a steadfast commitment to serving the Hamilton community.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

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

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Managing potential complications such as malperfusion syndromes.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Utilizing advanced EKG interpretation skills for accurate arrhythmia diagnosis.
• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Swift investigation and stabilization for patients with symptoms suggestive of ischemic heart disease.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

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

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• Pneumonia (Severe or Complicated): Management of pneumonia complications such as empyema, lung abscess, significant pleural effusion, or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Treatment of life-threatening status asthmaticus, which may necessitate continuous nebulization, magnesium sulfate, or non-invasive/invasive ventilatory support.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

Dr. Sennik manages offering immediate assessment, pain management, and stabilization for various physical injuries encountered in the emergency department setting.

• 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.
• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Effective coordination of the multidisciplinary trauma team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and nursing staff, to ensure timely and comprehensive care.

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.

• Initial Assessment and Management of Traumatic Injuries: Coordinating the multidisciplinary trauma team response in major injury cases to ensure comprehensive and efficient care.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Meticulous cleaning, debridement, irrigation, and repair (suturing, stapling, or adhesive closure) of simple and complex cuts, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries.
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Performing source control measures for infections where appropriate in the ER setting, such as incision and drainage of abscesses.
• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Arranging timely orthopedic consultation or transfer for definitive fracture management, complex reductions, or surgical intervention.
• Management of Head Injuries and Concussions: Rapidly recognizing and stabilizing patients with more severe traumatic brain injuries, including management of increased intracranial pressure and coordination with neurosurgical services.
• Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA): Expertise in managing potential complications associated with sedative and analgesic medications.

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

The Emergency Department in Hamilton's North End, Beasley neighborhood, is situated close to Lime Ridge Mall and easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The hospital's Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, with designated parking spots for emergency access. Patients can follow hospital signage for ER drop-off and parking. The department operates 24/7 as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure timely and effective treatment for all urgent health needs.

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

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Sennik 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.

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

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Sennik, a an Emergency Room Doctor trained to provide immediate medical care for a wide range of acute illnesses and injuries., 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.

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

The Emergency Room, where Dr. Sennik 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.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Sennik 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. Sennik, is focused on providing immediate care for emergencies.

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

When coming to the Emergency Room, please ensure you have your health insurance card (e.g., OHIP, AHCIP, MSP, RAMQ card). It's also extremely beneficial for Dr. Sennik 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.

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

237 Barton Street, P.O. Box 2010
Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2

Hospital Main Line: (905) 521-2100

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

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

Verify Dr. Sennik's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sennik-Serena/0249746-89186