Dr. Yahui Tammy Symons – Anesthesiologist | London, ON

As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Yahui Tammy Symons plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at facilities in London, ON, she contributes to the surgical and procedural teams by providing expert anesthetic care tailored to each patient's needs. Dr. Symons adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality of care and patient safety throughout her practice.

Dr. Symons graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2011 in Canada. She has been practicing as a specialist in Anesthesiology for over 7 years, since 2017. She is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her comprehensive training and expertise in the field of anesthesia and perioperative medicine.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes professionalism, precision, and a patient-centered approach. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and comfort for her patients in London, Dr. Symons communicates fluently in English and Mandarin, facilitating clear and compassionate interactions with diverse patient populations.

• 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.
• Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
• 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.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Symons (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. Symons primarily practices at St. Joseph's Hospital in the Downtown London area, situated within the North London East neighborhood of London. The hospital is located near Victoria Hospital (LHSC) and is easily accessible via the London Transit Commission (LTC). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

What if I have allergies or previous bad reactions to anesthesia?

It is absolutely crucial to inform Dr. Symons during your pre-anesthetic assessment about any known allergies (to medications, latex, food, etc.) and any previous experiences (good or bad) with anesthesia or sedation. This information helps tailor a safe plan and avoid agents you may react to.

What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?

Dr. Symons 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.

Do Anesthesiologists only work in the operating room?

While the OR is central, Anesthesiologists like Dr. Symons 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.

St. Joseph's Hospital
800 Commissioners Road East
London, ON N6A 5W9

Phone: (519) 685-8500

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Symons 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/Symons-Yahui-Tammy/0297740-104691