Dr. Vanessa P. Wong – Anesthesiologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. Vanessa P. Wong is a dedicated Anesthesiologist focused on providing safe and effective anesthesia care for surgical and medical procedures. Practicing primarily at medical facilities in Calgary, AB, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and provides comprehensive care in Anesthesiology. Her services are tailored to meet the needs of patients requiring anesthesia for a wide range of surgical and diagnostic procedures, always prioritizing safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes.

Dr. Wong graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta in 1994. She completed extensive post-graduate training in Anesthesiology, gaining certification and experience essential for her specialized practice. Her training included residency and fellowships in anesthesiology and critical care, ensuring she is well-equipped to manage complex cases and emergency situations.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, patient safety, and individualized care. Dr. Wong is committed to maintaining the highest standards of practice in Calgary, ensuring her patients receive safe and effective anesthesia services. She speaks English and is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care in every interaction.

• 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).
• 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.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Wong (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 Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Wong primarily practices at medical facilities located in the NE: Falconridge, Coral Springs, and Castleridge neighborhoods of Calgary. These facilities are conveniently situated near the Peter Lougheed Centre and the University of Calgary. They are easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services. The facilities are equipped to accommodate patients with mobility challenges, and the entire location is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by car, providing convenience for patients and visitors alike.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Wong? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Wong during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Wong 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. Wong 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. Wong. 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.

Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?

While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Wong often work in other areas too, including:

• Labour and delivery suites (providing epidurals)
• Intensive Care Units (managing critically ill patients)
• Pre-operative assessment clinics
• Pain clinics (treating chronic pain)
• Procedure rooms (e.g., endoscopy, radiology, cardiology)

Her specific areas of practice will depend on her training and hospital/clinic roles.

3500 26 Ave NE, Peter Lougheed Center
Calgary, AB T1Y 6J4

Phone: (403) 943-4555 | Fax: (403) 219-3574

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Wong is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9fd40c4a-5877-4d61-a0d1-478914204101&i=1570