About
As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Natalie Melton plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Thunder Bay, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring high standards of care in accordance with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Melton provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, focusing on delivering safe and effective anesthesia tailored to each patient's needs during surgical and medical procedures.
Dr. Melton graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2013. She has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology since 2019, accumulating over 5 years of experience. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to maintaining the highest standards in her field.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, patient safety, and comfort. Dr. Melton is dedicated to providing compassionate care to her patients in Thunder Bay, speaking English fluently. Her approach ensures that patients are well-informed and confident in their anesthesia care journey.
- Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
- Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
- Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
- Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Melton (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. Melton practices primarily at medical facilities situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The practice is conveniently located along a busy commercial corridor, accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Melton? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Melton 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. Melton 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. Melton from the team covering your procedure.
- Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?
- While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Melton 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)
Her specific areas of practice will depend on her training and hospital/clinic roles.
- 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. Melton. 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.
- What about nausea and vomiting after anesthesia?
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) can occur, but Anesthesiologists like Dr. Melton use strategies to prevent it, especially for patients at higher risk. This may include specific anesthetic techniques, administering anti-nausea medications before, during, or after the procedure, and ensuring adequate hydration. If you do experience nausea, effective treatments are available in the recovery room.
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4
Phone: (807) 684-6000
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Melton 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/Melton-Natalie/0289155-101261