Dr. Timothy Heeley-Ray – Emergency Room Doctor | Pointe-Claire, QC

Dr. Timothy Heeley-Ray is an experienced Emergency Room Doctor, committed to delivering high-quality acute medical care to patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Practicing at Hôpital général du Lakeshore in Pointe-Claire, QC, he is a key member of the frontline medical team serving the community. He adheres to the standards and practices outlined by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His role involves 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. Heeley-Ray holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 7 years of experience as an Emergency Room Doctor since 2017. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice emergency medicine in Quebec. His professional credentials ensure that he maintains high standards of patient care and safety, continuously updating his skills in accordance with the latest medical guidelines and protocols.

His professional philosophy is rooted in a commitment to rapid and accurate assessment in critical situations, providing compassionate care under pressure, and fostering effective teamwork and communication within the multidisciplinary ER team. Dr. Heeley-Ray adheres strictly to evidence-based emergency medicine protocols, prioritizing patient safety and advocating for patient needs in acute settings. He provides emergency medical services fluently in French, ensuring clear communication with diverse patient populations in Pointe-Claire and surrounding communities.

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

Acute Cardiovascular Conditions

Dr. Heeley-Ray manages encompassing life-threatening heart and circulatory problems frequently encountered and managed within the emergency department setting.

• Aortic Dissection / Aneurysm (Suspected): Initial stabilization including aggressive blood pressure and heart rate control, and securing urgent surgical (cardiothoracic or vascular) consultation.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Response, Ventricular Tachycardia): Prompt diagnosis and emergency management of hemodynamically significant abnormal heart rhythms, including electrical cardioversion, pharmacological cardioversion, or rate control strategies.

Acute Respiratory Conditions

Dr. Heeley-Ray manages managing urgent conditions that significantly impair breathing and lung function, demanding prompt and effective medical intervention.

• 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: Providing patient education on asthma triggers, proper inhaler technique, and individualized asthma action plans upon discharge.

Trauma and Musculoskeletal Injuries

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

• Multiple Trauma / Polytrauma (Initial Stabilization and Resuscitation): Systematic and prioritized trauma assessment following Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to rapidly identify and address immediate life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive hemorrhage).
• 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.
• 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).

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.

• Fracture and Dislocation Management (Initial): Initial clinical and radiological assessment, effective pain control, and appropriate immobilization (splinting, casting, or slings) of suspected or confirmed bone fractures and joint dislocations.
• Rapid Triage and Initial Medical Assessment: Initial history taking, focused physical examination, and vital signs assessment for emergent and urgent conditions upon arrival.
• 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.
• Wound Care and Laceration Repair: Educating patients on proper wound care and signs of infection following repair.
• Central Venous Access and Arterial Line Placement: Skilled insertion of central venous catheters (CVCs) for indications such as rapid fluid resuscitation, administration of vasoactive medications, or hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients.
• Diagnosis of Life-Threatening Emergencies: Swift and accurate diagnosis of critical pathologies to facilitate immediate and appropriate therapeutic measures.

Note: This list outlines key areas of emergency medical care. The services provided by Dr. Heeley-Ray 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and relevant acute care guidelines. Emergency care is prioritized based on medical urgency.

Hôpital général du Lakeshore is a major hospital in Pointe-Claire, conveniently situated near the hospital campus with easy access via local public transit serving the hospital. The Emergency Department is a high-acuity care environment, fully accessible to all patients. Hospital parking is available, with designated spots for emergency access. Patients and visitors are guided by hospital signage for ER patient drop-off and parking. As a critical access point for urgent medical care within the community, the ER connects seamlessly with comprehensive hospital services to ensure swift and effective treatment for all emergencies.

When should I go to the Emergency Room (ER) where Dr. Heeley-Ray 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. Heeley-Ray and the ER team are there for true emergencies.

What is the primary role of an Emergency Room Doctor like Dr. Heeley-Ray?

Dr. Heeley-Ray, 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.

What is the role of the triage nurse when I arrive at the ER?

The triage nurse in the ER performs a crucial initial assessment to rapidly evaluate how serious your condition is. They will ask about your symptoms, check your vital signs (like blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature), and assign you a triage level. This level dictates how quickly you need to be seen by an Emergency Room Doctor such as Dr. Heeley-Ray, ensuring that patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate care. They are a key part of the ER team that ensures patient safety and efficient flow.

Will my family doctor be informed about my visit to the ER with Dr. Heeley-Ray?

Maintaining communication with your family doctor is crucial for your ongoing health management. After your assessment and treatment by Dr. Heeley-Ray 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 should I bring with me if I need to go to the Emergency Room where Dr. Heeley-Ray 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. Heeley-Ray 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.

Hôpital général du Lakeshore
160 Av Stillview
Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 2Y2

Hospital Main Line: (514) 630-2225

The hospital Emergency Department is fully accessible to all patients.

Dr. Heeley-Ray is a licensed Emergency Room Doctor regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. 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. Heeley-Ray or the on-duty emergency team.

Verify Dr. Heeley-Ray's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=17760