The site chief for the ICU at University Hospital is Dr. Ron Butler. Physicians who work in the MSICU include Consultants, Residents, and Consultants from other services.
Dr. Ron Butler
MSICU Consultants
Patient care is directed by one of our team of critical care physicians (intensivists). Also called MSICU consultants, they have each specialized in an area such as anaesthesia, surgery or medicine, and received additional specialty training in critical care. All nine MSICU consultants are faculty members at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario.
Two consultants are usually in charge of the MSICU for a week at a time. A third MSICU consultant will coordinate the care of patients with less acute problems in Bay 6. In addition to our team of MSICU physicians, many other doctors are involved in the medical care of our patients.
Dr. Karen Bosma |
Dr. Lois Champion |
Dr. Jeff Granton |
Dr. Wael Haddara |
Dr. David Leasa |
Dr. Tina Mele |
Dr. Valerie Schulz |
Dr. Mike Sharpe |
Dr. Ravi Taneja |
Dr. Bryan Young |
Residents
Residents are physicians who have completed medical school and are receiving additional education. Some residents work in the MSICU as part of their medical training under the supervision of the MSICU consultants.
A senior resident is a physician who is almost finished his or her specialist training. The MSICU usually has 2 - 3 senior residents, with at least one on duty each day. The senior resident works closely with the MSICU consultant.
Other Consultants and Specialists
Patients who are critically ill usually have more than one medical problem. To provide the best possible care, the MSICU consultant will often ask physicians with expertise in other areas of medicine to assess the patient and provide additional medical recommendations or direction. The MSICU consultant acts as a coordinator, ensuring that the recommendations from all of the specialist and attending physicians are incorporated into one plan of care.
The following are examples of medical specialists who may participate in the care of patients:
Palliative Care and Chronic Pain Physician:
Dr. Valerie Schulz is consulted on the majority of cases in the MSICU. Traditionally, Palliative Care physicians are consulted when patients are close to dying in the interest of managing and promoting comfort.
However, Dr. Schulz' expertise is also helpful when managing pain, anxiety, delirium, and helping patients and families to cope with health related changes.
Dr. Valerie Schulz
Neurocritical Care Physician:
This physician team is headed by Dr. Bryan Young. They are consulted routinely in the MSICU in cases where there is ongoing concerns with a patient’s neurological function. This team helps the critical care team manage patients with life-threatening brain, spine, and nerve injuries or issues.
Dr. Bryan Young
Surgeon:
A surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and management of surgical disease who performs operations. There are many different types of surgeons, each specializing in different types of procedures. In Canada, surgeons receive certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. They carry the designation FRCSC.
Internist:
An internist is a physician who has received specialty education in the care of medical problems, such as diabetes. In Canada, physicians specializing in internal medicine receive certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. They carry the designation FRCPC.
Anaesthesiologist:
An anaesthesiologist is a physician who delivers sedation and pain medication during an operation. They are also involved in pre-operative assessments of a patient and pain management after surgery. They carry the designation FRCPC under the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
To become a specialist in anaesthesia, internal medicine or surgery, physicians study for an additional 4 - 5 years.