About
As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Igor Kwetny plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Penticton, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring that each patient's experience is as safe and comfortable as possible. Dr. Kwetny adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining a commitment to excellence in anesthetic care. His focus is on delivering calm, reassuring presence and expert guidance throughout every procedure, prioritizing patient well-being at all times.
Dr. Kwetny graduated with a Medical Degree from Northern State Medical University in 1983, located in Russia. Following his medical education, he completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology, gaining the necessary certifications and expertise to serve diverse patient needs. His training emphasizes the safe administration of anesthesia, critical care, and pain management, allowing him to provide comprehensive perioperative support.
With a calm and reassuring clinical philosophy, Dr. Kwetny is dedicated to ensuring patient safety and comfort in the Penticton community. He speaks English, Hebrew, and Russian, facilitating clear communication with a diverse patient population. His approach centers on building trust and providing compassionate care, helping patients feel secure before, during, and after their 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).
- 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.
- Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
- Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
- Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Kwetny (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. Kwetny primarily practices at medical facilities situated in the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, and Naramata Bench neighborhoods of Penticton. These facilities are conveniently located near landmarks such as Cascades Casino and the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC). The practice is easily accessible via the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Kwetny? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Kwetny 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. Kwetny 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. Kwetny from the team covering your procedure.
- 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. Kwetny. 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.
- What is the role of an Anesthesiologist?
- An Anesthesiologist is a specialist medical doctor (physician) extensively trained in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pain management. They are responsible for developing the anesthesia plan, administering anesthetic drugs, ensuring your safety and vital functions (like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure) are stable during a procedure, managing any medical emergencies that arise, and overseeing your immediate recovery and pain control afterwards.
550 Carmi Ave, Department of Anesthesia
Penticton, BC V2A 3G6
Phone: (250) 492-4000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Kwetny 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/376559/Kwetny%2CIgor