Dr. Subaratna Menike Herath – Anesthesiologist | Oshawa, ON

With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Subaratna Menike Herath ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Oshawa, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, providing comprehensive care in Anesthesiology. Her practice is aligned with the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to the highest professional and safety standards. Dr. Herath's role encompasses a broad spectrum of anesthetic services, always prioritizing patient safety and comfort during procedures.

Dr. Herath graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ceylon in 1975 and has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology for over 32 years since 1992. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining the highest level of expertise and professional development in her field.

Her clinical philosophy centers on providing clear, educational information to her patients, fostering a trusting environment focused on safety and effective care. She is dedicated to ensuring patient safety in Oshawa and communicates fluently in English, making her accessible to a diverse patient population.

• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
• 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.
• 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.
• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Herath (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. Herath primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Vanier and McLaughlin West neighborhoods of Oshawa. The facilities are conveniently situated near the Oshawa GO Station and Ontario Tech University / Durham College, making accessibility straightforward via public transit, including Durham Region Transit (DRT). The practice locations are designed to accommodate patient needs with ease of access; the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by vehicle, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for all patients.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Herath? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Herath 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. Herath 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. Herath 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. Herath. 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.

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. Herath 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. For example, adjustments might be made for sleep apnea or specific cardiac monitoring used for heart conditions.

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.

Suite 304, 1 Hospital Court
Oshawa, ON L1G 2B9

Phone: (905) 576-8711

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Herath 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/Herath-Subaratna-Menike/0048951-62929