Dr. Tanya Gisela Solano Salazar – Emergency Room Doctor | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Tanya Gisela Solano Salazar is a specialized Pediatric Emergency Physician, dedicated to providing immediate medical care for infants, children, and adolescents in acute distress. Practicing at Family Practice Health Centre in Hamilton, ON, she is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives care grounded in professionalism and clinical excellence. She focuses on rapidly diagnosing and treating a wide range of urgent pediatric conditions, from common childhood illnesses and injuries to life-threatening emergencies. Emphasis is placed on age-appropriate assessment, family-centered communication, and minimizing distress for young patients and their families.

Dr. Salazar obtained her Medical Degree from the University of Costa Rica and has accumulated over 5 years of experience as a Pediatric Emergency Physician since 2019. She is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist, reflecting her advanced training and expertise in emergency pediatric care. Her professional development includes participation in ongoing education and certification, ensuring her skills remain current with the latest emergency medicine protocols and practices.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Salazar is committed to evidence-based emergency medicine, prioritizing patient safety, and advocating for her patients’ needs during urgent and stressful moments. She practices a family-centered approach to pediatric emergency care and is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population in emergency situations. Her dedication is to serve the Hamilton community by delivering prompt, competent, and empathetic emergency medical services to children and adolescents in need.

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

Specific Pediatric Emergencies

Dr. Salazar manages applying specialized knowledge of pediatric physiology and pharmacology in emergency care.

• Acute Respiratory Distress in Infants and Children (e.g., Croup, Bronchiolitis, Foreign Body Aspiration): Providing supportive care including supplemental oxygen, nebulized epinephrine or corticosteroids for croup, and suctioning for bronchiolitis.
• Dehydration in Children (e.g., from Acute Gastroenteritis): Identifying and treating the underlying cause of fluid loss, and providing guidance on appropriate home care and diet advancement.
• Accidental Ingestions and Poisonings in Children: Emphasizing poison prevention strategies with parents and caregivers.

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Salazar manages focusing on the rapid stabilization of patients experiencing acute cardiac distress or vascular compromise.

• Chest Pain (e.g., suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Infarction): Comprehensive assessment of various etiologies of chest discomfort presenting to the ER, differentiating cardiac from non-cardiac causes.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Identifying and treating potential underlying causes or triggers of acute cardiac rhythm disturbances, such as electrolyte imbalances or ischemia.
• Hypertensive Emergencies: Controlled and judicious reduction of blood pressure using intravenous antihypertensive agents to prevent further complications while avoiding hypoperfusion.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Salazar manages providing immediate care for patients experiencing acute respiratory distress or failure.

• Acute Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Systematic differential diagnosis of dyspnea, considering cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychogenic etiologies.
• Asthma Exacerbation / Status Asthmaticus: Monitoring response to therapy closely and adjusting treatment accordingly.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Prompt initiation of anticoagulation therapy for confirmed PE, or thrombolytic therapy for hemodynamically unstable (massive) PE.

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.

• Assessment and Management of Acutely Ill or Injured Children: Creating a child-friendly and reassuring environment to reduce anxiety for young patients and their families.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Rapid recognition and differentiation of time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring prompt, often life-saving, intervention.
• Management of Common Pediatric Emergencies: Ensuring appropriate disposition planning, including follow-up advice and safety netting for parents.
• Diagnostic Workup for Acute Conditions: Ordering and interpreting urgent laboratory tests (blood work, urinalysis, cardiac markers, etc.) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds).
• Treatment of Acute Infections and Sepsis: Early recognition and aggressive, protocol-driven management of sepsis and septic shock to improve survival rates.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Quick and focused assessment of acute medical, surgical, or traumatic conditions to initiate timely diagnostic pathways.

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

Family Practice Health Centre is situated in Hamilton's Corktown, Stinson neighborhood, offering convenient access to urgent pediatric care. The facility is located near the Hamilton Farmers' Market, with accessible transit options via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients, featuring designated parking spots for emergency access. Clear signage directs ER patient drop-off and parking areas. This department serves as a critical access point for urgent medical needs within the community, seamlessly integrated with comprehensive hospital services to ensure prompt and effective care for pediatric emergencies.

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

To help Dr. Salazar 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 primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Salazar?

The main responsibility of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Salazar, a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children, 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 go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Salazar 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. Salazar 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.

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

Does the Emergency Room where Dr. Salazar works provide specialized care for children?

Yes, Dr. Salazar is a Pediatric Emergency Physician specially trained to care for acutely ill or injured children. With specialized training and expertise in treating infants, children, and adolescents in emergency situations, the Emergency Department is equipped with pediatric-specific medical equipment and resources. The staff are experienced in addressing the unique physiological and emotional needs of young patients, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate pediatric emergency care.

Family Practice Health Centre
1280 Main Street West, Women's College Hospital
Hamilton, ON L8N 4K1

Hospital Main Line: (905) 521-2100

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Salazar is a licensed Pediatric Emergency Physician 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. Salazar or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Salazar's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Solano-Salazar-Tanya-Gisela/0257401-91866