Dr. George Hatoum has worked as a general practitioner and started his first medical center in 1995. The article below will shed light on emergency medicine in light of Dr. George Hatoum’s experience as a general practitioner.
Emergency medicine doctors primarily work in the emergency departments or “rooms.”
According to Dr. George Hatoum, emergency medicine doctors stabilize and treat patients experiencing acute health problems or traumatic injuries. Some patients can be treated and released from the emergency room. Others need to be admitted to the hospital or further assessed by other specialists. Emergency medicine doctors make these decisions throughout their workdays.
Patients with acute health concerns or traumatic injuries are stabilized and treated by emergency medicine professionals. Some patients are treated and discharged from the emergency room. In contrast, others must be admitted to the hospital or evaluated by additional doctors. Emergency medicine doctors make these judgments throughout their shifts.
Dr George Hatoum states that in Australia, most emergency presentations are in General practice. These emergencies are mostly dealt with in Medical centers, such as Acute Asthma, Lacerations, Migraines, fractures of all sorts, Angina (chest pain due to coronary artery disease), mental health emergencies, and an endless list of acute presentations. If a condition is complex or is unable to be dealt with then most GP, such as Dr. George Hatoum coordinate with the local hospital and may send on some patients to be dealt with at the hospital such as heart attacks or complex fractures.
What Is the Role of an Emergency Medicine Physician?
Regardless of the type of disease or damage, Dr. George Hatoum maintains that emergency medicine specialists examine and treat patients in the emergency room. Their primary goal is to stabilize patients as soon as possible and establish the best next step. The most common next step in Australia is to send the patient back to the care of the regular General practitioner who knows the patient best, such as Dr. George Hatoum.
Men and women of all ages, as well as adults and children, are treated by emergency physicians. They treat patients with diseases and ailments linked to neurology, renal issues, cardiology, pulmonology, gastrointestinal problems, gynecology, orthopedic concerns, pregnancy, dermatology, and psychiatry at all stages.
When a patient has suffered significant injuries, is unconscious, or is actively experiencing symptoms of diseases such as stroke or heart attack, the emergency medicine specialist will start treatment immediately.
Dr. George Hatoum’s stated that multiple patients are usually seen by emergency medicine professionals simultaneously. They must immediately triage patients as they arrive based on their symptoms – life-threatening circumstances take precedence. You may have to wait for treatments at an emergency room and urgent care facility.
Trauma surgeons who are available on call and ready to do emergency surgery are occasionally referred to by emergency medicine doctors. These two specialties are sometimes confused, yet they are distinct roles.
Education and Training
All medical professionals and surgeons begin their careers with the same medical school education. Following graduation, doctors continue their residency and work toward specializations.
According to Dr. George Hatoum, this procedure entails completing:
- Postgraduate Medical school takes an average of four years after the 3 years of general medical science (Total of 6 years on average to graduate).
- Three or four years of internship & residency then 4 years of specialist training to be either a GP, Emergency specialist or a general surgeon.
Reasons to Visit an Emergency Room Doctor
In a genuine emergency, such as a severe auto accident, you may be transferred to a hospital’s emergency department in an ambulance. In an actual emergency, dial 000.
However, Dr. George Hatoum believes it can be challenging to know whether you should go to the ER sometimes.
Breathing Problems
Call 000 if you are having severe breathing problems. Other significant breathing concerns include an uncontrollable asthma attack, inability to draw a deep breath, or indicators of a narrow airway, such as tightness in the throat and chest.
Injuries to the head, neck, and spine
Call 000 if you have a head injury with fainting or confusion, as well as neck and spine injuries, especially if you have a sensation or are unable to move. Concussions and other problems with various regions of the body are frequently diagnosed by emergency department doctors.
Significant Bleeding
According to Dr. George Hatoum, heavy bleeding that you can’t stop is an emergency scenario. Whether the origin of the bleeding is an injury or something else, this symptom warrants a visit to the emergency room.
Chest Ache
Severe chest pain and pressure are serious emergency medical symptoms that may suggest a heart attack is on the way. Call 000. Pain in the arm or jaw is another indicator of a heart attack.
Symptoms of a Stroke
A stroke causes a sudden loss of ability to speak, see, walk, weakness or “drooping” on one side of the body, and slurred speech. A stroke is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately to avoid the risk of lasting damage or death.
According to Dr. George Hatoum, other typical reasons individuals visit the ER include a terrible headache, a probable broken bone, a concussion, significant cuts that are too deep to be dealt with by the family Drs working in Medical practices such as Dr. George Hatoum.
When to Visit an Emergency department of the local hospital
Consider going to your local medical Centre or General practice if your medical situation is not life-threatening and severe, but you believe it is serious. Dr. George Hatoum notes that minor emergencies that can be dealt with in general practice include conditions such as:
- Colds and flu that are severe
- Infections of the ears
- Throat discomfort
- Migraine attacks
- Rashes
- Sprains, minor scrapes and burns, broken bones, and mild eye injuries are examples of minor injuries.
- Small lacerations
- Mental health issues, even urgent ones
What to Expect in the Emergency Department
Unless you arrive via ambulance, you must check in with clerical staff & then usually the triage nurses when you reach the emergency department. They will obtain your name, address, or insurance information. You’ll also need to explain why you’re seeking assistance so the staff can determine how to prioritize the needs.
Depending on the health condition, emergency medicine specialists handle situations from several perspectives. Among the possibilities, Dr. George Hatoum lists the most important below:
- Physical examinations may include vital signs (heart rate, temperature, Blood pressure).
- Consultation with the patient (discussion of the patient’s problems)
- CBC (complete blood count), chemical profile, and blood alcohol level if there was a car accident or pregnancy test are all examples of blood tests.
- Urinalysis
- ECG
X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds are examples of imaging tests.
To determine what will happen next, Dr. George Hatoum states that your emergency medicine doctor will analyze their assessment results and any tests you have completed. One of the following results is possible:
- Return home with no more medical attention required (for example, if your problem resolves on its own, is mild, or is cured at the ER)
- Return to your home with care instructions
- Come back home with medical supplies such as a sling or a cast
- Schedule an appointment with your General practitioner
- Schedule a consultation with a specialist
- Be admitted to hospital for monitoring
