Dr. Michael Louis Ma – Anesthesiologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Michael Ma is a dedicated Anesthesiologist focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for surgical and medical procedures. Practicing primarily at facilities in Edmonton, AB, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring high standards of patient safety and comfort. As a licensed member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), with license number 033178, Dr. Ma adheres strictly to provincial regulations and best practices in anesthesiology.

He provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, having graduated with a MBBChBAO in 2009 from Ireland and completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology. His training includes certification in advanced airway management, regional anesthesia, and perioperative medicine, enabling him to deliver tailored anesthetic plans suited to each patient's needs.

Dr. Ma’s clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, prioritizing patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative experience. He is committed to maintaining the highest standards of care in Edmonton and communicates fluently in English to ensure patients understand their anesthesia journey.

• Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
• 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).
• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Ma (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. Ma primarily practices at medical facilities situated in the south-central area of Edmonton, including the University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park neighborhoods. These locations are easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments. The facilities are equipped with modern amenities and are wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, ensuring ease of access for patients attending procedures or consultations.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Ma? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Ma 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. Ma 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. Ma from the team covering your procedure.

Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?

While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Ma 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.

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.

8440 112 St NW, University of Alberta Hospital
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Phone: (780) 306-7241

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ma 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=1e8118ad-c7a2-4dec-b9d9-4446b9212336&i=899