About
With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Serge Gagnon ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in Québec City, QC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, adhering to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). Dr. Gagnon provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, focusing on patient safety, comfort, and well-being throughout all phases of medical and surgical procedures.
He graduated with a Medical Degree in 1985 and holds a specialty certification in Anesthesiology issued on July 1, 1985, after completing extensive post-graduate medical training. Throughout his career, Dr. Gagnon has maintained a commitment to ongoing education and professional excellence, ensuring his practice remains aligned with the latest standards and advancements in anesthesiology.
Dr. Gagnon’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a calm and reassuring approach, prioritizing patient safety and comfort in every interaction. Fluent in French, he strives to create a trusting environment where patients feel supported and informed. His dedication to compassionate care makes him a valued member of the Québec City healthcare community.
- 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.
- Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
- 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.
- 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).
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Gagnon (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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).
Dr. Gagnon primarily practices at the CHUQ - Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, located in the historic Vieux-Québec (Upper Town) neighborhood of Québec City. This area is known for its charming cobblestone streets and proximity to Waterfront Park along the St. Lawrence River, providing a peaceful environment for patients. The hospital is easily accessible via the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), making it convenient for patients traveling from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Gagnon? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Gagnon during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for specific circumstances.
- Can I directly request Dr. Gagnon 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. Gagnon from the team covering your procedure.
- What if I have allergies or previous bad reactions to anesthesia?
- It is absolutely crucial to inform Dr. Gagnon during your pre-anesthetic assessment about any known allergies (to medications, latex, food, etc.) and any previous experiences (good or bad) with anesthesia or sedation. This information helps tailor a safe plan and avoid agents you may react to.
- 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. Gagnon (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 the main types of anesthesia you might use?
- Dr. Gagnon selects the safest and most appropriate anesthetic based on your health and the procedure. Options include:
- General Anesthesia: You'll be completely unconscious and unaware.
- Regional Anesthesia: A specific body part is numbed (e.g., spinal/epidural for lower body, nerve block for arm/leg). You might be awake or sedated.
- Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)/Sedation: Medication helps you relax and feel drowsy, often used with local anesthetic by the surgeon.
The choice will be discussed with you beforehand.
CHUQ - Hôtel-Dieu de Québec
11 Côte du Palais
Québec City, QC G1R 2J6
Phone: (418) 691-5323 | Fax: (418) 691-5097
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gagnon is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=85212