Dr. Susan Ming Lee – Anesthesiologist | New Westminster, BC

As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Susan Ming Lee plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at facilities in New Westminster, BC, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, ensuring that each patient receives individualized, safe, and effective anesthesia care. Dr. Lee adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and clinical excellence. Her focus encompasses a broad spectrum of anesthetic practices, with particular attention to patient safety and intraoperative comfort.

Dr. Lee graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2007 and completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology. Her training included comprehensive clinical rotations and specialized education in various anesthesia techniques, ensuring she is well-equipped to manage complex cases and provide tailored anesthetic plans. She holds key certifications recognized by provincial and national medical boards, reaffirming her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Dr. Lee’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and clinical approach to perioperative care, prioritizing patient safety, effective communication, and evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to delivering high-quality anesthesia services in New Westminster and surrounding communities. Fluent in English, she ensures clear communication and patient understanding throughout the perioperative process.

• 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.
• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Lee (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. Lee primarily practices at medical facilities located in the Uptown and Massey Victory Heights neighborhoods of New Westminster. These facilities are conveniently situated near the New Westminster SkyTrain Station, providing easy access via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local buses. The practice location is committed to accessibility, with the facility being wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility for patients driving to their appointments, ensuring ease of access and convenience for all visitors.

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

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Lee 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. Lee 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. Lee from the team covering your procedure.

Is anesthesia safe?

Modern anesthesia, administered by trained Anesthesiologists like Dr. Lee using advanced monitoring, is very safe for most patients. While all medical procedures have some risk, serious complications from anesthesia are rare. Your individual risk depends on your health, the type of surgery, and the type of anesthesia used. This will be carefully assessed and discussed with you before your procedure.

How will my pain be managed after the procedure?

Effective pain management is a priority. Depending on the procedure, Dr. Lee may use strategies like regional nerve blocks placed before or during surgery for prolonged numbness, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, epidural infusions, or a combination of different types of pain medications (multimodal analgesia). The goal is to keep you comfortable to aid recovery and mobility. This plan is often coordinated with the surgical team.

What are common side effects of anesthesia?

Common, usually temporary side effects can include nausea, vomiting, sore throat (if a breathing tube was used), drowsiness, dizziness, shivering, or minor discomfort at an IV or block site. Dr. Lee takes steps to minimize these (e.g., using anti-nausea medication). More serious side effects are uncommon but will be discussed if relevant to your specific situation.

330 E Columbia St., Royal Columbian Hospital - Anesthesia Department
New Westminster, BC V3L 3W7

Phone: (604) 520-4253

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lee 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/338487/Lee%2CSusan