About
With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Jacques Somma ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in Québec City, QC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, adhering to the standards and guidelines set forth by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). His role involves providing comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, focusing on optimizing patient safety and comfort during various procedures. Dr. Somma's practice is dedicated to delivering individualized anesthetic plans that prioritize patient well-being and procedural success.
Dr. Jacques Somma graduated with a Medical Degree in 1997 and holds a specialty certification in Anesthesiology issued September 30, 1997. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Anesthesiology, ensuring a high level of expertise and adherence to current clinical standards. His certifications reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest quality of care and staying updated with advances in anesthetic techniques and patient safety protocols.
Driven by a professional and clinical philosophy, Dr. Somma is committed to patient safety and excellence in anesthetic care within the Québec City region. He communicates fluently in French and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to all patients requiring anesthesia for surgical or medical 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).
- Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
- 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.
- Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
- 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. Somma (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. Somma primarily practices at the Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (IUCPQ) located in the Sainte-Foy Central (Cité Universitaire South) neighborhood of Québec City. The facility is conveniently situated near the Centre Vidéotron arena and is accessible via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC). The practice location is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Somma? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Somma 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. Somma 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. Somma 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.
- What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?
- Dr. Somma 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.
IUCPQ
2725 ch Sainte-Foy
Québec City, QC G1V 4G5
Phone: (418) 656-8711
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Somma 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=97420