Dr. Stephan Karl Walter Schwarz – Anesthesiologist | Vancouver, BC

As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Schwarz plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Vancouver, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and attentive care. Dr. Schwarz adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining a commitment to excellence and professionalism in all aspects of his practice.

Graduating with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Georg-August-Universität Göttingen in 1995, Dr. Schwarz completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. His certifications include comprehensive training in anesthetic techniques, critical care, and pain management, equipping him with the expertise necessary for safe and effective patient care in diverse clinical scenarios.

Dr. Schwarz's clinical philosophy is centered on providing calm, reassuring care tailored to each patient's needs. His commitment to patient safety in Vancouver is reflected in his meticulous approach and compassionate communication. Fluent in English and German, he strives to create a comfortable environment for all patients, easing anxiety and fostering trust throughout every procedure.

• 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.
• Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Schwarz (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 British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Schwarz primarily practices at medical facilities located in the vibrant Yaletown and Downtown South neighborhoods of Vancouver. His practice is conveniently situated near the Gastown Historic District, offering easy access via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Schwarz? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Schwarz during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Schwarz 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. Schwarz 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. Schwarz. 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 is the role of an Anesthesiologist?

An Anesthesiologist is a specialist medical doctor (physician) extensively trained in anesthesiology, critical care medicine, and pain management. They are responsible for developing the anesthesia plan, administering anesthetic drugs, ensuring your safety and vital functions (like breathing, heart rate, blood pressure) are stable during a procedure, managing any medical emergencies that arise, and overseeing your immediate recovery and pain control afterwards.

1081 Burrard St, 3rd Floor, Providence Bldg, St. Paul's Hospital, Department of Anesthesia
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 806-8337 | Fax: (604) 806-8487

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Schwarz is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. 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 British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/312845/Schwarz%2CStephan