Description
About Dr. Ainslie Mary Jean Gilchrist
Dr. Ainslie Mary Jean Gilchrist, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Edmonton, AB, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams by providing comprehensive anesthetic services. Her practice is aligned with the standards set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patient safety and comfort are paramount during all procedures.
Dr. Gilchrist graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2011 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology. Her certifications include comprehensive residency training in anesthesiology, with a focus on perioperative medicine, patient safety, and pain control techniques. She maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 027493.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and clinical approach to anesthetic care, prioritizing patient safety and individualized treatment plans. She is dedicated to ensuring optimal comfort and safety during surgical procedures in Edmonton. Dr. Gilchrist communicates fluently in English, fostering clear and compassionate interactions with her patients.
Anesthetic Services & Care
- Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) / Sedation: Providing varying levels of sedation (light to deep) and analgesia, combined with close monitoring of vital signs, for procedures not requiring general anesthesia.
- Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- General Anesthesia Administration: Inducing and maintaining a controlled state of unconsciousness ('sleep') using intravenous or inhaled medications, ensuring patient comfort and immobility during major surgery.
- Regional Anesthesia Techniques: Numbing specific body regions using targeted nerve blocks (e.g., spinal, epidural, peripheral nerve blocks) for surgery or pain control, potentially allowing the patient to remain awake or sedated.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Gilchrist (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Gilchrist's practice is primarily based at medical facilities in the W Central: Crestwood, Parkview neighborhood of Edmonton. These facilities are conveniently located near the University Hospital and Main Campus, accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Gilchrist? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Gilchrist during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for specific circumstances.
- Can I directly request Dr. Gilchrist for my anesthesia?
- While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Gilchrist from the team covering your procedure.
- Should I take my regular medications on the day of the procedure?
- This depends entirely on the specific medication and instructions given to you. You MUST discuss all your regular medications with your surgeon and the anesthesia team during your pre-assessment. Some medications (like certain blood pressure pills) may be taken with a sip of water, while others (especially blood thinners, some diabetes medications) must be stopped or adjusted days beforehand. Never change your medication routine without specific instructions.
- Is it possible to wake up during general anesthesia?
- Awareness under general anesthesia is extremely rare with modern techniques and monitoring used by Anesthesiologists like Dr. Gilchrist. Specialized monitors help track the depth of anesthesia, and drug doses are carefully adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure you remain safely unconscious and unaware.
Contact & Licensing Information
16940 87 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5R 4H5
Phone: (780) 735-2000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gilchrist is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=2946a853-8941-4b55-b9f5-43d608e2aa96&i=519