Dr. Stephanus D. Potgieter 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 Emergency Department in Stony Plain, AB, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. The Emergency Department operates 24/7, providing urgent and life-threatening care for individuals of all ages. Dr. Potgieter adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that all patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment. His role involves rapid assessment, diagnosis, and stabilization of a broad spectrum of urgent and emergent medical, surgical, and traumatic conditions in a high-acuity environment, while maintaining a calm and competent approach to care delivery.
He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) in Alberta. His medical education includes graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from South Africa, and subsequently obtaining specialty certification in emergency medicine. Dr. Potgieter is dedicated to continuous professional development and adheres to the latest clinical protocols and guidelines to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Dr. Potgieter’s professional philosophy centers on providing rapid, accurate assessments in critical situations, delivering compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. He prioritizes patient safety, advocates for patient needs in acute settings, and communicates effectively in both English and Afrikaans to serve a diverse patient population. His commitment to evidence-based emergency medicine ensures that each patient receives appropriate, timely, and individualized care tailored to their urgent health needs.
Dr. Stephanus Potgieter 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. Potgieter 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): Educating patients on expected recovery times and rehabilitation strategies.
- Fractures, Dislocations, and Sprains/Strains: Accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and joint dislocations using thorough physical examination, patient history, and appropriate imaging studies (X-rays, occasionally CT or ultrasound).
- 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.
Acute Cardiovascular Conditions
Dr. Potgieter manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.
- Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation: Coordinating with cardiology for ongoing management post-stabilization.
- Hypertensive Emergencies: Differentiating hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency.
- Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Rapid diagnostic workup, often involving CT angiography, for patients with symptoms suggestive of life-threatening aortic conditions such as dissection or rupture.
Acute Respiratory Conditions
Dr. Potgieter manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.
- Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Identifying and managing potential complications of PE, such as right heart strain.
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: Leading and coordinating resuscitation efforts for patients in cardiac arrest, shock, or severe respiratory distress.
- Management of Acute Pain and Symptom Relief: Administration of appropriate analgesics (opioid and non-opioid) and adjunctive medications to alleviate acute pain from injuries or medical conditions.
- Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Applying advanced diagnostic reasoning to quickly pinpoint life-threatening conditions amidst complex clinical pictures.
- Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Vigilant monitoring and supportive care for patients with severe infections, including fluid management and organ support.
- Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
- Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Formulating differential diagnoses for a wide range of undifferentiated acute symptoms through systematic investigation.
Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Potgieter 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.
The Emergency Department in Stony Plain is located at a major hospital in the neighborhood, conveniently situated near the hospital campus with easy accessibility via local public transit serving the hospital. The facility is fully accessible to all patients and features ample hospital parking, including designated spots for emergency access. Patients are directed to follow hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. The ER serves as a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, seamlessly integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective treatment in emergencies.
- When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Potgieter 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. Potgieter and the ER team are there for true emergencies.
- What should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Potgieter works?
- If you need to visit the ER, it's very helpful to bring your provincial health card and any other relevant insurance information. A complete list of your current medications (including name, dosage, and how often you take them), any known drug allergies, and a brief summary of your significant medical history (like major illnesses, past surgeries, or chronic conditions) can greatly assist Dr. Potgieter and the ER team. If possible, also bring contact information for your family doctor. For children, their immunization record can be useful if it's readily available.
- What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Potgieter?
- Dr. Potgieter, as a an Emergency Physician with certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in Emergency Medicine, skilled in managing urgent medical conditions., 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.
- 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. Potgieter 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. Potgieter?
- Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Potgieter 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.
4405 South Park Dr
Stony Plain, AB T7Z 2M7
Hospital Main Line: (780) 968-3600
The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.
Dr. Potgieter is a licensed Emergency Physician (CCFP-EM) 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. Potgieter or the on-duty emergency team.
Verify Dr. Potgieter's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a8311568-bbf0-46bd-ad36-b30224691f73&i=1172