Dr. Ian Douglas Courtice – Anesthesiologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Ian Douglas Courtice is a dedicated Anesthesiologist focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for surgical and medical procedures. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Victoria, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring patient safety and comfort. Dr. Courtice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His role encompasses a broad range of anesthetic services, tailored to meet individual patient needs, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes.

He graduated with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree from the University of British Columbia in 1984 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. His certifications include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Anesthesiology, ensuring competency in the latest anesthetic techniques and patient care standards. Dr. Courtice maintains a commitment to ongoing education and professional development to stay current with advances in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine.

Dr. Courtice’s clinical philosophy centers on clear, educational communication with patients, emphasizing safety, informed decision-making, and personalized care. He is committed to maintaining the highest standards of practice within Victoria’s healthcare system. Fluent in English, he strives to provide approachable and comprehensive anesthetic care to all patients, supporting them through their surgical or medical procedures with professionalism and compassion.

• 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.
• Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
• 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).
• Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
• Pre-Anesthetic Assessment and Consultation: Thorough evaluation of patient health, medical history, medications, and surgical/procedural plan to create the safest and most effective anesthesia plan.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Courtice (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 British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Courtice primarily practices at medical facilities near the central Victoria neighborhood, close to the Inner Harbour and Float Plane Terminals. These locations are easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Courtice? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Courtice during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Courtice 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. Courtice from the team covering your procedure.

Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?

While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Courtice often work in other areas too, including:

• Labour and delivery suites (providing epidurals)
• Intensive Care Units (managing critically ill patients)
• Pre-operative assessment clinics
• Pain clinics (treating chronic pain)
• Procedure rooms (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, cardiology)

His specific areas of practice will depend on his training and hospital/clinic roles.

What about nausea and vomiting after anesthesia?

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can occur, but Dr. Courtice uses 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. Courtice 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.

1 Hospital Way, Victoria General Hospital
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5

Phone: (250) 727-4152

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Courtice is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303687/Courtice%2CIan