The Department of Anesthesiology, University of Ottawa, comprises more than 100 anesthesiologists in five affiliated teaching hospitals. The Ottawa Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, and The Heart Institute serve as the tertiary and quaternary referral centers for the National Capital area and the Champlain region.

Dr. Homer Yang Department Chief

The Department has a long tradition in medical education and anesthesia research. There is also a strong tradition among members of the Department to be leaders nationally and internationally.

Anesthesia is a relatively new specialty, having had its first successful demonstration in public in 1846. Existing accounts of the surgical experience prior to anesthesia were rather unpleasant. However, in the century following the discovery of ether, there were many challenges in the conduct of anesthesia, not the least of which was explosions or fires in the operating room. Through research and medical education, anesthesia is now extremely safe, and a leader in patient safety (p 71, “To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System” Institute of Medicine 2000).

The Department of Anesthesiology in Ottawa continues to value medical education and anesthesia research, built upon clinical excellence. Some of the research foci of the Department include education research, perioperative medicine, pain management, and neuroprotection in global ischemia. The use of the simulator in medical education since 1998 has also allowed the Department to be a leader both in simulation and in medical education.

Please feel free to navigate through the various links within our website and enjoy exploring our Department in its many facets.

Dr. Homer Yang, MD, FRCPC, CCFP
Professor and Chair