About
With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Maria Hudecova ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in Thunder Bay, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams by providing comprehensive care in Anesthesiology. She is committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and comfort during all procedures, adhering strictly to the guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Dr. Hudecova graduated with a Medical Degree from Univerzita Komenskeho in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 1998. She has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology for over 10 years, since 2014. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her dedication to ongoing professional development and excellence in her field.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on creating a calm and reassuring environment for her patients. Dr. Hudecova prioritizes patient safety and comfort in Thunder Bay. She speaks English and Slovak fluently, ensuring clear communication and understanding with her diverse patient population.
- Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
- Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
- 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.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Hudecova (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. Hudecova primarily practices at Grand River Hospital, located in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The hospital is situated near the Commercial Corridor and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, making it easily accessible for patients. The facility is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit, ensuring convenient transportation options. The hospital features wheelchair accessibility to accommodate all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for those arriving by car.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Hudecova? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Hudecova 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. Hudecova 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. Hudecova 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. Hudecova (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.
- What if I have allergies or previous bad reactions to anesthesia?
- It is absolutely crucial to inform Dr. Hudecova during your pre-anesthetic assessment about any known allergies (to medications, latex, food, etc.) and any previous experiences (good or bad) with anesthesia or sedation. This information helps tailor a safe plan and avoid agents you may react to.
- What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?
- Dr. Hudecova 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.
Grand River Hospital
P.O. Box 9056, 980 Oliver Road, Department of Laboratory Medicine
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
Phone: (807) 684-6000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Hudecova 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/Hudecova-Maria/0258623-91401