About
Dr. Laurence Fontaine is a dedicated Anesthesiologist focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for surgical and medical procedures. Practicing primarily at facilities in Cowansville, QC, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that every patient receives care grounded in professionalism and excellence. Dr. Fontaine’s role is centered on maintaining patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative experience, with a calm and reassuring approach that fosters trust and confidence.
She graduated with a Medical Degree in 2015 and holds a specialty certification in Anesthesiology issued on June 23, 2015. Dr. Fontaine completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Anesthesiology, which included rigorous clinical rotations and examinations, ensuring she is well-equipped to manage a wide range of anesthetic needs. Her certifications and ongoing education reflect her commitment to staying current with the latest practices and innovations in her field.
Dr. Fontaine’s clinical philosophy emphasizes calm reassurance, patient safety, and personalized care. She speaks French fluently and is dedicated to providing compassionate support to her patients in Cowansville and surrounding communities. Her goal is to ensure that each patient feels informed, comfortable, and secure before, during, and after their procedures.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Fontaine (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. Fontaine primarily practices at the Hôpital Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins, located near the central Cowansville neighborhood of Cowansville. The hospital is conveniently situated close to local points of interest, making it accessible for residents and visitors alike. Patients can reach the facility via local public transit options, ensuring ease of access. The hospital is fully wheelchair accessible, providing barrier-free entry for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, with dedicated spaces for visitors and patients.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Fontaine? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Fontaine 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. Fontaine 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. Fontaine from the team covering your procedure.
- Is anesthesia safe?
- Modern anesthesia, administered by trained Anesthesiologists like Dr. Fontaine using advanced monitoring, is very safe for most patients. While all medical procedures have some risk, serious complications from anesthesia are rare. Your individual risk depends on your health, the type of surgery, and the type of anesthesia used. This will be carefully assessed and discussed with you before your procedure.
- 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. Fontaine needs to know about all conditions like heart disease, lung problems (asthma, COPD, sleep apnea), diabetes, kidney disease, etc. This information allows her 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.
- 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. Fontaine. 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.
Hôpital Brome-Missisquoi-Perkins
950 rue Principale
Cowansville, QC J2K 1K3
Phone: (450) 266-4342
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Fontaine 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=15326