About
With expertise in Anesthesiology, Dr. Valérie Sanfaçon ensures patients receive appropriate anesthetic management tailored to their needs. Practicing primarily at facilities in Gatineau, QC, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams, adhering to the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ). She provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology, focusing on patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes for those requiring anesthesia for surgical or medical procedures.
Dr. Sanfaçon graduated with a Medical Degree in 2011 and has held a specialty certification in Anesthesiology since October 20, 2011. She completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Anesthesiology, ensuring a strong foundation in perioperative care, pain management, and emergency response. Her training emphasizes evidence-based practices and continuous professional development to maintain high standards of clinical excellence.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in a professional and clinical approach, prioritizing patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process. She is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care, and communicates fluently in French to ensure clear understanding and patient engagement in the Gatineau region. Dr. Sanfaçon actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe and effective anesthetic services.
- Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
- 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.
- 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.
- Management of Anesthetic Emergencies: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of critical events or complications that may arise during anesthesia.
- 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.
Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Sanfaçon (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. Sanfaçon primarily practices at Incognito Medispa, located near the central Gatineau neighborhood of Gatineau. The facility is conveniently situated close to the UQO (Université du Québec en Outaouais) Campus Alexandre-Taché and the Federal Government Buildings at Terrasses de la Chaudière. Accessibility is facilitated via the Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. The clinic environment is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease of access for patients attending appointments.
- How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Sanfaçon? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?
- In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Sanfaçon 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. Sanfaçon 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. Sanfaçon from the team covering your procedure.
- What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?
- Dr. Sanfaçon 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.
- 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. Sanfaçon 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.
Incognito Medispa
540 Boul De L'hôpital
Gatineau, QC J8V 3T2
Phone: (819) 561-3030
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Sanfaçon 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=11665