Solutions sought to address anesthesiologist shortage in Alberta

Anesthesiologists cover a critical component of surgical care by providing pain management, but some of these specialists say there aren't enough of them in the province to provide efficient patient care.

Anesthesiologists cover a critical component of surgical care by providing pain management, but some of these specialists say there aren't enough of them in the province to provide efficient patient care.

Officials also say they are working on solutions to bridge the gap.

"We are seeing a shortage of anesthesiologists and anesthesia providers," said Dr. Craig Pearce, past president of the Alberta Medical Association's anesthesia executive.

"That's pervasive across the country and certainly across North America. We had the Alberta surgical uplift at the same time as COVID-19 decided to hit and then we had just an exacerbation."

He says Edmonton Zone could use 20 to 30 more anesthesiologists while Calgary Zone has 15 to 20 positions to fill.

"There's a variety of lists that just go unfilled by anesthesia providers. So we're looking at emails pretty much every day, looking for people to fill in days here and there," said Pearce.

Central Zone has recently increased by 15 anesthesiologists but surgeons say more are needed to help them provide care more quickly.