About
With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Natalie Marie Goucher ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in Lethbridge, AB, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety and comfort. Dr. Goucher adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality care in every case.
Dr. Goucher graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from McMaster University in 2015 and completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology. Her certifications reflect a dedication to ongoing professional development and excellence in her field, enabling her to provide safe, effective, and compassionate anesthesia care.
Her clinical philosophy is centered on creating a calm and reassuring environment for her patients. She is deeply committed to ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process. Fluent in English, Dr. Goucher values clear communication and strives to address all patient concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- 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.
- Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
- 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.
- Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
- 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. Goucher (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. Goucher primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Downtown Lethbridge area, with convenient access to the South Lethbridge East neighborhood of Lethbridge. Her practice is situated near Henderson Lake Park and the High Level Bridge (CPR Viaduct), offering a scenic and accessible environment. Patients can reach the facility easily 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. Goucher? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Goucher 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. Goucher 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. Goucher from the team covering your procedure.
- Is anesthesia safe?
- Modern anesthesia, administered by trained Anesthesiologists like Dr. Goucher using advanced monitoring, is very safe for most patients. While all medical procedures have some risk, serious complications from anesthesia are rare. Your individual risk depends on your health, the type of surgery, and the type of anesthesia used. This will be carefully assessed and discussed with you before your procedure.
- 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.
960 19 St S
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Phone: (403) 388-6111
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Goucher 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=f15d4c4d-fbe6-426b-bda4-6a9e30d44ad0&i=536