About
Dr. Etienne Couture, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at facilities in Québec City, QC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams with a focus on ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout all stages of anesthesia. His practice adheres strictly to the guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), emphasizing professionalism and patient-centered care.
He graduated with a Medical Degree in 2019 and holds specialty certification in Anesthesiology issued June 13, 2019. Dr. Couture completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Anesthesiology, gaining comprehensive knowledge and skills in perioperative medicine, pain control, and emergency management. His certifications reflect a deep commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Couture’s clinical philosophy is centered on providing calm, reassuring care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. He prioritizes patient safety and comfort, utilizing evidence-based practices to minimize risks and enhance recovery. Fluent in French, he communicates clearly and compassionately, ensuring that patients feel informed and at ease before, during, and after procedures.
- Acute Postoperative Pain Management: Implementing strategies to manage pain immediately after surgery, utilizing multimodal approaches like regional blocks, IV medications, or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).
- 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.
- Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Couture (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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
Dr. Couture primarily practices at IUCPQ - Université Laval, located in the Sainte-Foy Central (Cité Universitaire South) neighborhood of Québec City. The facility is situated near Waterfront Park along the St. Lawrence River, offering a serene environment for patients. Accessibility is convenient via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), ensuring easy transit for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Couture? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Couture during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for specific circumstances.
- Can I directly request Dr. Couture 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. Couture from the team covering your procedure.
- What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?
- Dr. Couture selects the safest and most appropriate anesthetic based on your health and the procedure. Options include:
- General Anesthesia: You'll be completely unconscious and unaware.
- Regional Anesthesia: A specific body part is numbed (e.g., spinal/epidural for lower body, nerve block for arm/leg). You might be awake or sedated.
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)/Sedation: Medication helps you relax and feel drowsy, often used with local anesthetic by the surgeon.
The choice will be discussed with you beforehand.
- What about nausea and vomiting after anesthesia?
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can occur, but Anesthesiologists like Dr. Couture use strategies to prevent it, especially for patients at higher risk. This may include specific anesthetic techniques, administering anti-nausea medications before, during, or after the procedure, and ensuring adequate hydration. If you do experience nausea, effective treatments are available in the recovery room.
- What are common side effects of anesthesia?
- Common, usually temporary side effects can include nausea, vomiting, sore throat (if a breathing tube was used), drowsiness, dizziness, shivering, or minor discomfort at an IV or block site. Dr. Couture takes steps to minimize these (e.g., using anti-nausea medication). More serious side effects are uncommon but will be discussed if relevant to your specific situation.
IUCPQ - Université Laval
2725 ch Sainte-Foy
Québec City, QC G1V 4G5
Phone: (418) 656-8711
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Couture is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=19585