Dr. Thomas Rae Riekki – Anesthesiologist | Kelowna, BC

With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Thomas Rae Riekki ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Kelowna, BC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, maintaining adherence to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His role involves providing safe and effective anesthesia care for patients undergoing various surgical and medical procedures. Subspecialty interests or areas of focus may include Specialty practice - anesthesiology.

Dr. Riekki graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of British Columbia in 2017.0 (Canada) and completed extensive postgraduate training in Anesthesiology, gaining comprehensive knowledge and skills required for advanced anesthesia practice. His certifications include successful completion of residency in Anesthesiology, ensuring his expertise aligns with provincial and national standards.

He follows a professional and clinical philosophy dedicated to patient safety and comfort. Dr. Riekki is committed to providing high-quality anesthetic care in Kelowna, emphasizing safety protocols and evidence-based practices. He communicates fluently in English and prioritizes clear, compassionate interactions with his patients to foster trust and understanding throughout their perioperative experience.

• Airway Management Expertise: Skilled management of the patient's airway, including intubation (placing a breathing tube) when necessary, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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. Riekki (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. Riekki primarily practices at medical facilities situated in the central Kelowna area, including neighborhoods such as South Pandosy and Downtown Kelowna. The practice locations are conveniently accessible from Rutland Town Centre and Rutland Centennial Park, with easy access via the Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facilities are wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In BC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Riekki 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. Riekki 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. Riekki 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. Riekki needs to know about all conditions like heart disease, lung problems (asthma, COPD, sleep apnea), diabetes, kidney disease, etc. This information allows he 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 are the main types of anesthesia you might use?

Dr. Riekki 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.

What's the difference between an Anesthesiologist and other anesthesia providers?

In Canada, an Anesthesiologist is a medical doctor (MD) with extensive postgraduate specialty training (typically 5+ years after medical school) covering all aspects of anesthesia, critical care, and pain management. They lead the anesthesia care team. Other professionals, like respiratory therapists or specialized nurses, may assist under the direct supervision of the Anesthesiologist.

2268 Pandosy St, Anesthesiology
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2

Phone: (250) 862-4000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Riekki 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/343684/Riekki%2CThomas