About
Dr. Sophie Saindon, a respected Anesthesiologist, is committed to the highest standards of perioperative care and pain management. Practicing primarily at facilities in Montréal, QC, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process. She adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines set forth by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and maintains a focus on providing comprehensive anesthetic care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Dr. Saindon graduated with her Medical Degree in 1997 and holds specialty certification in Anesthesiology, issued December 15, 1997, following extensive postgraduate training in the field. Her medical education was completed at a recognized institution, and she has continually updated her expertise through ongoing professional development and certification renewal processes.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes patient safety, thorough assessment, and individualized care. Dr. Saindon is dedicated to maintaining high standards of practice within Montréal’s healthcare environment, speaking both French and English fluently to serve her diverse patient population effectively. She is committed to delivering professional and compassionate care during every anesthetic encounter.
- 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.
- Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
- 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.
- Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
- 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. Saindon (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. Saindon primarily practices at the Hôpital Sainte-Justine, located in the Côte-des-Neiges Central (UdeM area) neighborhood of Montréal. The hospital is conveniently situated near the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and Parc Lafontaine, offering easy access for patients. The facility is accessible via the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), including Métro stations and bus routes. The hospital's infrastructure includes wheelchair accessibility, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, with options to suit various needs.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Saindon? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Saindon 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. Saindon 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. Saindon from the team covering your procedure.
- How do my existing health conditions (e.g., heart problems, asthma, sleep apnea) affect anesthesia?
- Existing health conditions are a key part of the pre-anesthetic assessment. Dr. Saindon needs to know about all conditions like heart disease, lung problems (asthma, COPD, sleep apnea), diabetes, kidney disease, etc. This information allows her to choose the safest anesthetic drugs and techniques, anticipate potential issues, and optimize monitoring during your procedure. Adjustments might be made for sleep apnea or specific cardiac monitoring used for heart conditions.
- 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. Saindon (or a colleague providing your care that day) may happen just before the procedure starts. In either case, your questions will be answered.
- 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.
Hôpital Sainte-Justine
3175 ch de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H3T 1C5
Phone: (514) 345-4733
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Saindon 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=97456