At North York General Hospital, our Department of Anesthesia is a dynamic team of approximately 30 diverse, highly trained anesthesiologists, dedicated to delivering safe, personalized care across a wide range of surgical specialties. We provide expert anesthetic care in areas such as intraoperative anesthesia, acute and chronic pain management, pre-operative medical assessments, and obstetric anesthesia for labour and delivery.
As a high-volume community academic hospital, we support thousands of surgical procedures each year, with a strong emphasis on efficient and safe outpatient (same-day) surgeries. Our team plays a key role in ensuring these procedures are not only effective, but also minimize recovery time and hospital stay for patients.
Our anesthesiologists are skilled in all modern techniques of anesthesia, including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (such as spinal and epidural), peripheral nerve blocks (including hip/knee blocks and brachial plexus blocks), and varying levels of sedation tailored to each patient’s needs. We are committed to optimizing patient comfort and safety throughout their surgical journey.
To support this high standard of care, we utilize state-of-the-art anesthetic machines, advanced monitoring systems, and ultrasound-guided techniques for greater precision in regional and nerve block anesthesia. These technologies allow for safer procedures, quicker recovery, and reduced post-operative pain.
Our team works collaboratively within an interdisciplinary environment alongside surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia assistants, ensuring coordinated and seamless perioperative care.
Patients often meet with an anesthesiologist prior to their procedure during a comprehensive pre-operative assessment. This visit helps us optimize any underlying medical conditions, reduce the risk of complications, and create a tailored anesthetic plan.
With our focus on high-quality, patient-centered care, the Department of Anesthesia at North York General Hospital is proud to be a trusted partner in helping patients through their surgical experiences safely and comfortably.
Anesthesiologists
Dr. Aaron Mocon (Chief of Anesthesia)
Dr. Aleksandra Dlacic
Dr. Andrew Shanmugarajah
Dr. Brian Kashin
Dr. Brian Yauu
Dr. Charles Knapp
Dr. Daisy Joo
Dr. Darryl Irwin
Dr. Diana Choi
Dr .Eric Yung
Dr. Eugenia Poon
Dr. Glenn Ragos
Dr. Howard Fischer
Dr. Ira Bloom
Dr. Lillia Fung
Dr. Lindsay Taam
Dr. Lisa Pillo
Dr. Martin Esken
Dr. Michael Yang
Dr. Richard Bowry
Dr. Rolf Gronas
Dr. Sanjho Srikandarajah
Dr. Todd Calhoun
Dr. Victor Un
Dr. Zhen Meng
Anesthesia Assistants
Anesthesia Assistants (AAs) are highly trained healthcare professionals—either Registered Respiratory Therapists or Registered Nurses—who play a vital role in the safe and effective delivery of anesthesia care. As integral members of the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT), AAs work under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist and within the scope of established medical directives.
At North York General Hospital (NYGH), AAs contribute across a wide range of clinical areas. Their responsibilities include:
Assisting in the delivery of general, regional, and conscious sedation anesthesia for stable surgical patient
Monitoring and managing a patient’s hemodynamic status throughout the perioperative period
Administering anesthetic gases and medications under supervision
Inserting and managing invasive and non-invasive hemodynamic monitors
Assessing the depth of anesthesia and supporting anesthetic adjustments
Delivering blood, fluid, and pharmacologic therapies as needed
Supporting complex anesthesia equipment setup and operation
Providing expert airway management when required
AAs at NYGH are essential to ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care in a dynamic, collaborative, and academically supportive environment.
Nurse Practitioners
Farida Roy, Nurse Practitioner, Acute Pain Service
Acute Pain Service (APS) is led by a dedicated Nurse Practitioner (NP) who collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists to provide comprehensive, patient-centered pain management. The APS conducts thorough pain assessments, identifies underlying causes, and diagnoses acute pain conditions with precision and compassion.
Personalized pain management plans are developed and implemented using a multimodal approach. These may include opioid and non-opioid medications, along with advanced techniques such as nerve blocks, neuraxial epidural anesthesia, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Throughout treatment, the APS team prioritizes safety, closely monitoring for side effects while optimizing comfort and recovery.
Our APS NP works in partnership with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic, evidence-based care. Patient and family education is a cornerstone of our approach—empowering individuals with knowledge about pain management strategies, self-care practices, adherence to treatment plans, and the importance of patient advocacy.
