About
Dr. Quentin J. Wensveen, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at facilities in Lethbridge, AB, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring patient safety and comfort during various medical interventions. Dr. Wensveen adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), including maintaining his license (license number 010790) in good standing. His approach emphasizes evidence-based practices and comprehensive patient care.
He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1989 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. This training encompassed advanced clinical skills, critical care, and pain management, preparing him to handle complex anesthetic cases and emergencies effectively. Dr. Wensveen holds key certifications that demonstrate his commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in his specialty.
With a clinical philosophy rooted in evidence-based and informative care, Dr. Wensveen prioritizes patient safety and individualized anesthesia plans. He is dedicated to providing high-quality services in Lethbridge, ensuring patients receive safe, effective, and comfortable anesthetic care. He communicates fluently in English, facilitating clear explanations and patient education throughout the perioperative process.
- Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
- 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.
- Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
- Pre-Anesthetic Assessment and Consultation: Thorough evaluation of patient health, medical history, medications, and surgical/procedural plan to create the safest and most effective anesthesia plan.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Wensveen (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. Wensveen primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Downtown Lethbridge area and the South Lethbridge East neighborhood of Lethbridge. These facilities are conveniently situated near landmarks such as the High Level Bridge (CPR Viaduct) and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. Patients can access these facilities 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. Wensveen? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?
- In AB, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Wensveen 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. Wensveen 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. Wensveen from the team covering your procedure.
- 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. Wensveen. 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's the difference between an Anesthesiologist and other anesthesia providers?
- In Canada, an Anesthesiologist is a medical doctor (MD) with extensive postgraduate specialty training (typically 5+ years after medical school) covering all aspects of anesthesia, critical care, and pain management. They lead the anesthesia care team. Other professionals, like respiratory therapists or specialized nurses, may assist under the direct supervision of the Anesthesiologist.
- 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, Chinook Regional Hospital
Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Phone: (403) 388-6136
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Wensveen 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=540b88e2-ac65-4e9e-b2ff-045d9443a16a&i=1541