About
Dr. Marty Lynn Ericksen, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Lethbridge, AB, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams with a focus on patient safety, comfort, and individualized care. His practice is aligned with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Ericksen’s role involves ensuring optimal anesthesia management for patients requiring surgical or medical procedures, emphasizing calm and reassuring communication throughout the perioperative process.
Dr. Ericksen graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1996 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology. His certifications and ongoing professional development ensure he remains current with the latest advancements and safety protocols in anesthesia practice, providing patients with confidence and peace of mind during their procedures.
His clinical philosophy centers on calm, compassionate, and reassuring care, prioritizing patient safety at every stage. Fluent in English, Dr. Ericksen strives to create a comfortable environment where patients feel informed and supported. His commitment extends to serving diverse patient populations within Lethbridge, maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence and ethical practice.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- 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. Ericksen (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 Alberta (CPSA).
Dr. Ericksen primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood. The location offers convenient access connecting North and South Lethbridge and is close to Lethbridge College. Patients can reach the facility via Lethbridge Transit, which provides reliable public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Ericksen? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Ericksen during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for specific circumstances.
- Can I directly request Dr. Ericksen 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. Ericksen 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. Ericksen. 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.
- Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?
- While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Ericksen often work in other areas too, including:
- Labour and delivery suites (providing epidurals)
- Intensive Care Units (managing critically ill patients)
- Pre-operative assessment clinics
- Pain clinics (treating chronic pain)
- Procedure rooms (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, cardiology)
His specific areas of practice will depend on his training and hospital/clinic roles.
- Should I take my regular medications on the day of the procedure?
- This depends entirely on the specific medication and instructions given to you. You MUST discuss all your regular medications with your surgeon and the anesthesia team during your pre-assessment. Some medications (like certain blood pressure pills) may be taken with a sip of water, while others (especially blood thinners, some diabetes medications) must be stopped or adjusted days beforehand. Never change your medication routine without specific instructions.
704 4 S, PO Box 113 Stn Main
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0A0
Phone: (403) 328-1925
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Ericksen is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=6b3b4d47-2aa5-4364-8fdd-fa34e5f29158&i=438