About
As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Melody Shireen Afagh plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Nepean, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams by providing expert anesthetic care. Dr. Afagh adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and compassionate care tailored to their individual needs.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2017 in Canada and has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology since 2021. Dr. Afagh is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards and continuous learning in her field.
Dr. Afagh’s clinical philosophy centers on providing a calm and reassuring environment for her patients. She is dedicated to ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process in Nepean. Fluent in English, she communicates clearly and compassionately, fostering trust and easing anxieties related to medical procedures.
- Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
- 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.
- Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- 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.
- 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. Afagh (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. Afagh primarily practices at medical facilities located near the central Nepean neighborhood of Nepean, Ontario. These facilities are conveniently situated close to local points of interest such as the Nepean Sportsplex and the Barrhaven Town Centre. The area is easily accessible via public transit, with bus routes connecting to nearby transit stations. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Afagh? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Afagh 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. Afagh 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. Afagh from the team covering your procedure.
- What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?
- Dr. Afagh 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.
3045 Baseline Rd
Nepean, ON K2H 8P4
Phone: (613) 721-2000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Afagh 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/Afagh-Melody-Shireen/0318643-112350