Locations
Baltimore
Baltimore, MD
About
Bio
My background, education, and experience are in criminal justice, fire service, emergency medical services, search and rescue, disaster response, and occupational medicine. I served as a Tactical Physician and Medical Director for 14 years; was attending Emergency Medicine faculty for 20 years; husband; and dad to an exceptional daughter.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Emergency Medicine
Aerospace Medicine
Critical Care
Occupational Medicine
Licenses
United States: Maryland, Virginia
Doctor Q&A
3.5K Answers
4.8K Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
56 days & 3 days: You may donate blood every 56 days. You should wait at least 3 days prior to strenuous exertion / heavy lifting...Particularly at 50+ to be safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Yes? =140+/90+: If systolic (top #) is repeatedly 140 or higher and/or diastolic (bottom #) 90 or higher, then have hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure. Need to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Indirectly: The pain from the rib injury keeps you from taking regular deep breaths and this prevents you from clearing the build-up of "stuff" in your lungs that... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Depends on what?: What are you donating? Blood/semen no significant risks. Egg/marrow/organ/tissue--procedure related (anesthesia, infection, recuperation time, etc.).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Depends: If you are getting better, then no! people vary, and depending on if a culture was sent, might have lab data that demonstrates susceptibility. Don't w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Absolutely: Unless you drink it right from the teet, then the protein and nutrients in it that make it good for you also make it excellent for microbes to grow in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Needs more info: Vast majority are by injection. Few are nasal or oral. Would help greatly if you mentioned which vaccine you are asking about?
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Yes: Orally, anally, digitally. Depends what penile secretions (pre-ejaculate / ejaculate) come into contact with and get transferred to. Should get examin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Prolonged proximity: Someone who spends a lot of time (>1hr) in close proximity / contact with another person--inside their personal space range (<3ft).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Self-correct: At your age, it is more likely a habit than destiny. You need to practice / emphasize standing up fully and not "slouching" forward, as can lose verte... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Depends on patient: A unit of blood can be infused in about 2 minutes for severe trauma, or over 4+hours in a patient with a weak heart. It all depends on the need of the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Yes: Since she is late, a home pregnancy test will help answer question. Pre-ejaculate has sperm in it and it only takes one. Condoms are safe way to avoid... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Yes, she gave an STD: You need examined by your dr / "std clinic" / urgent care or urologist for diagnosis and treatment for whatever you contracted by not using condoms, p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Ask Prescriber: If you have symptoms that may be caused by your medicine, before stopping or changing the dose yourself, call or see the Prescriber ans/or your Pharm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
169 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Yes, see a Dr to diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment. Urgent Care is highly variable as to the skillset of the Provider on duty. If your GP d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
We were designed with redundancy wherever possible, as though we would be prone to injury or loss. One functional testicle produces adequate sperm to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Yes. Should only need the 'turf' removed once, rinse off the Hibiclenz well. If "oozy" or in an area that will get agitated by clothes or movement (kn... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered >2 years ago
A 64-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Contact your prescriber. It sounds as though the infection being treated is worsening, and additional support than Macrobid may be required.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Nov 11, 2021
A 51-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
You need to review the result with the Provider who ordered it to be certain, however the relative #s are percents, so add to 100% and for one to go u... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Oct 21, 2021
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
It sounds like your situation needs further investigation by your Physician, as it is not straightforward. Some diets (what you eat) can alter stool c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
None: While you should not go from the donation center to the gym (follow the nurse's instructions and take it easy for the rest of the day), there is no si... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Not at all: It is extremely common for teen-twenties (...To 100s likely) males to masturbate, often frequently. It will not disrupt hormone levels, and unfortunat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Talk to your Gyn: The options need explained and vary depending on your situation. Talk to your gynecologist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 71-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Viral infection: It implies nausea/vomiting with diarrhea (and usually also fevers / muscle aches). It is a "gi bug" and is usually short-lived. (1-5 days).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Cool it: Cool compresses / running water can help reduce the pain by literally cooling it off.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Timing: Don't eat within 60-90 minutes of bed. Avoid large meals late in day. Elevate head of bed or your head/shoulders if you can stay on pillows. It is the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Over the counters: Try Noxzema or solarcane to reduce discomfort of sunburn. And use hi # sunscreen for next few days!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Urgent care visit: Ok, if you can't reach it, then see a professional who can, and who can evaluate and decide if locally irritated / infected / lyme risk. Primary care ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
It depends: If no foul odor, no other gyn-related symptoms, than may just be old blood, which 'might' suggest an intrauterine issue (fibroids/anatomy/other). Best... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Heavy lubricant: Without playing favorites, "bag balm" (yes, it is a home remedy / homeopathic type answer) is a very thick, almost grease, that is intended for cow's ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
In a word, YES: You are abusing the beverage to keep you awake/focused/whatever. There have been rare cases of death from excess energy drink intake. At 23, if otherw... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Check Internet: A good place to start is: http://marrow.Org/home.Aspx under "learn the facts" you can get more information on process, faqs, requirments, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Speak up!: You need to discuss these thoughts with your therapist. If you are not as yet on medication, he/she will likely send you to a psychiatrist for medicat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Feels good, do it: Short answer is yes. Mechanical percussion helps to break up and mobilize mucus in the chest and "sticky" spots to reduce pleuritic pain. It is best d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Irritation from pill: Could be irritation of the esophagus from the pill itself--take future ones at least 20 min before lying down & with plenty of water. Short term relie... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Ask Peds: Likely a glycerin suppository will help move things from below. If this situation recurs or is ongoing, you should consult her pediatrician, as may ne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
No: Check image, palate manipulation is within pharynx, in front of brainstem & spinal cord. The posterior portion of the palate is soft / cartilaginous, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Old terms (from EMS): The classic "blue bloater" was defined as someone w/mostly lung disease as source of resp problems (copd/emphysema/chr. Bronchitis). Poor oxygenation ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
See your Dr: Start w/your dr for good exam of elbow and possibly imaging or initial testing to guide follow up--while complications from blood donation (or iv) in ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Draw sheet: Easier way to turn someone who cannot readily do it on their own is to fold a bedsheet in thirds or quarters and put this on the bed over the bottom s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Dr's order: Your regular dr or urologist can order the test (semen analysis). You go to the lab (/collection center), produce a sample, and turn it over to lab te... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 41-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Be supportive: Direct confrontation will worsen anxiety, enlarge social gap, and may cause acting out behavior. Be clear you are available for support, questions, un... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 54-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Maybe ; yes: While there may be an actual benefit in turning over the iron stores in your body (see book "the iron elephant), there definitely is a well-deserved i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Not wise: When your body is low on neutrophils you are at increased risk of infection, and this is not a normal state, so it needs evaluated to determine the ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
After a wait: Tattoos are only temporarily deferring for 12 months. This is because not all tattoo artists take appropriate precautions to prevent the risk of infec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
& so do you.: Sounds extremely suspicious for description of herpetic lesions. You should either get blood test or get examined when blisters present again, so know... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 75-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Primary care: ...To start off with. Can check doppler ultrasound if exam suggests vascular issue and make referral to vascular surgeon if needed. If not, can prescr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Carefully: Repeated trauma to the rectum can cause hemorrhoids or make them worse. Solution would be to use plenty of lube and dilation with fingers or similar o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A male asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
Huh? What?: Oops, back now, sorry. As long as not too frequent, can be due to stress, inadequate quality or quantity of sleep, boredom, prolonged close attention/... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Donald Alvesanswered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
School: You have to complete the pre-med requirments in college. Most med schools require a bachelor's degree, but some will take adequate units/pre-req's w/o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
25
Recommendations
3.2K
Thank you notes
Mar 18, 2013
Dr Alves provides an excellent public service through HealthTap. He is clearly knowledgable about many areas in medicine. The input he provides is clear and helpful. I recommend Dr. Alves.
Dr. Martin Fried
Nov 7, 2014
He is an emergency room expert who is knowledgeable in, Men's health, Blood donation, Education, Health education. We are privileged to have his expertise here on health tap.
Aug 16, 2013
I recommend you as a well know expert in your field.
Dr Jakavick would recommend this Dr To all who seek their expertise.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! thank you doctor!, im able to keep it under control now with Imodium. keeping most fluids down. almost replaced what i lost so the ER might not be warranted. will be ab...Read More
HealthTap member
Having cold sometimes hurts cold medicine feel like going into left face neck to lungs heart going underneath left boo b to left side sometimes going into stomach sharp pains i do have mild inflamma...Read More
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! I am apatient i am adoctor of dermatology,and i ask if you can help me to consult you about my patients in my country have many skin lesions.
Best regard
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Graduated 1997MD
Residency
MORRISTOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Residency
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Awards
Maryland State Service Medal (for service in the Maryland Defense Force)
Top Doctor, First Place, Maryland - Winter
2013
Most Influential, Second Place, Maryland - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
American College of Forensic Examiners
American Academy of Emergency Medicine
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