Dr. Nancy Jane Ghazar – Anesthesiologist | Calgary, AB

With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Nancy Jane Ghazar ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Calgary, AB, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams with a focus on patient safety, comfort, and individualized care. She adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), maintaining up-to-date practices in anesthetic medicine.

Dr. Ghazar graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2000 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology. Her education and certification process included rigorous residency programs and examinations, ensuring her competence in all aspects of anesthetic care and patient safety.

Her clinical philosophy is centered around providing calm, reassuring, and thorough care. She is committed to ensuring each patient feels informed and comfortable throughout their perioperative experience. Fluent in English, Dr. Ghazar prioritizes clear communication and collaborates closely with surgical teams to optimize outcomes for her patients in Calgary.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Ghazar (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. Ghazar primarily practices at medical facilities situated in the northwest neighborhoods of Calgary, including Bowness, Montgomery, and Greenwood. These facilities are conveniently located near the Bow Tower and Telus Sky, making access straightforward for patients. The locations are well-connected by Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

How will my pain be managed after the procedure?

Effective pain management is a priority. Depending on the procedure, Dr. Ghazar may use strategies like regional nerve blocks placed before or during surgery for prolonged numbness, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, epidural infusions, or a combination of different types of pain medications (multimodal analgesia). The goal is to keep you comfortable to aid recovery and mobility. This plan is often coordinated with the surgical team.

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. Ghazar (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.

What are common side effects of anesthesia?

Common, usually temporary side effects can include nausea, vomiting, sore throat (if a breathing tube was used), drowsiness, dizziness, shivering, or minor discomfort at an IV or block site. Dr. Ghazar takes steps to minimize these (e.g., using anti-nausea medication). More serious side effects are uncommon but will be discussed if relevant to your specific situation.

28 Oki Dr NW, Alberta Children's Hospital
Calgary, AB T3B 6A8

Phone: (403) 955-7810

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Ghazar 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=9282fe3e-a165-4194-8628-7b926f88f990&i=513