About
Dr. Ian Duncan Dobson is a dedicated Anesthesiologist focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for surgical and medical procedures. Practicing primarily at facilities in Thunder Bay, ON, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and comfort. His practice is aligned with the guidelines and standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Dobson provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, serving a diverse patient population requiring anesthesia for various surgical and medical interventions.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1989 and has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology for over 29 years, since 1995. Dr. Dobson is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards. His ongoing education and certification ensure he remains current with advancements in anesthetic techniques and patient safety protocols.
Dr. Dobson adopts a professional and clinical approach to patient care, emphasizing safety, comfort, and individualized treatment. He is committed to delivering high-quality anesthetic services in Thunder Bay and speaks English fluently. His philosophy centers on patient-centered care, ensuring each individual receives attentive, safe, and effective anesthesia management tailored to their specific needs.

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Dobson (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 Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Dobson practices primarily at medical facilities situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. These facilities are conveniently located near the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, providing easy access for patients. The location is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit, ensuring convenient transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Dobson? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Dobson during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for specific circumstances.
- Can I directly request Dr. Dobson 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. Dobson from the team covering your procedure.
- What happens in the recovery room (PACU)?
- After your procedure under general or regional anesthesia/sedation, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also known as the recovery room. Specially trained nurses will closely monitor your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, and level of consciousness as you wake up. They will also manage any immediate pain or nausea under the guidance of the anesthesia team.
Suite 319, 980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
Phone: (807) 684-6290
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Dobson is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. 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 Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Dobson-Ian-Duncan/0048774-62752