Dr. Iwona Elzbieta Zieba – Anesthesiologist | Barrie, ON

Dr. Iwona Elzbieta Zieba is a dedicated Anesthesiologist focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for surgical and medical procedures. Practicing primarily at facilities in Barrie, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring high standards of patient safety and comfort. Her practice is aligned with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), and she is committed to delivering comprehensive anesthesiology services tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Zieba graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2001 and has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology since 2006, accumulating over 18 years of experience. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, maintaining her credentials through ongoing professional development and adherence to national standards.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a clear and educational approach, prioritizing patient safety and comfort in Barrie. She speaks English and Polish fluently, ensuring effective communication with diverse patient populations. Dr. Zieba is dedicated to providing compassionate care while maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence.

• Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
• 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.
• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• 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. Zieba (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. Zieba primarily practices at the Scarborough Pain Clinic located in the Downtown Barrie area, within the East Bayfield neighborhood of Barrie. Patients can enjoy proximity to the Barrie Waterfront on Kempenfelt Bay and the Five Points Theatre, making the location convenient and accessible. The facility is well-connected via Barrie Transit, facilitating easy access for patients. The practice location is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Zieba? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Zieba 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. Zieba 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. Zieba from the team covering your procedure.

Will I definitely meet the Anesthesiologist before my surgery/procedure?

You will always have an anesthesia assessment before your procedure. For major surgeries or complex health issues, this often occurs at a pre-admission clinic days or weeks beforehand. For healthier patients undergoing shorter procedures, the detailed discussion and assessment with Dr. Zieba (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.

How do my existing health conditions (e.g., heart problems, asthma, sleep apnea) affect anesthesia?

Existing health conditions are a key part of the pre-anesthetic assessment. Dr. Zieba needs to know about all conditions like heart disease, lung problems (asthma, COPD, sleep apnea), diabetes, kidney disease, etc. This information allows she to choose the safest anesthetic drugs and techniques, anticipate potential issues, and optimize monitoring during your procedure. For example, adjustments might be made for sleep apnea or specific cardiac monitoring used for heart conditions.

Why is it important to follow fasting instructions?

Fasting (not eating or drinking) before anesthesia is critical for your safety. If there is food or liquid in your stomach during anesthesia, it could potentially come up into your throat and lungs (aspiration), which can cause serious lung complications. Following the specific fasting times given to you significantly reduces this risk.

Scarborough Pain Clinic
201 Georgian Drive, Pain Physician DAAPM DCAPM
Barrie, ON L4M 6M2

Phone: (705) 728-9802

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zieba 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/Zieba-Iwona-Elzbieta/0181619-76229