Anesthesiology

(443) 849-2202
E-mail:  lhook@gbmc.org

Physicians Anesthesia Associates is comprised of 29 board certified anesthesiologists and 18 certified nurse anesthetists; all of whom are trained in administering anesthetics to children. In an effort to ensure the highest quality of care for the smallest and sickest children, the practice has three fellowship trained pediatric anesthesiologists. These physicians have experience in the anesthetic management of rare and complex pediatric disorders.

Who are the Pediatric Anesthesiologists?

Jose E. Dominquez, M.D.
Fellowship Training: Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Residency Training: George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Medical School: University of Maryland at Baltimore.

Karen Roitman, M.D.
Fellowship Training: Denver Children's Hospital, Colorado; Residency Training: University of Maryland at Baltimore; Medical School: Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Steven Koller, M.D.
Fellowship Training: Tufts School of Medicine, New England Medical Center, Boston Floating Hospital for Children; Residency Training: Mount Sinai Medical Center, N.Y.: Medical School: New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey.

Dai Nguyen, M.D.
Residency Training: Columbia Presbyterian Medial Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, N.Y.; Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatric and Cardiac Anesthesia; National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.

Frequently asked questions:

Does my child really have to go without food or drink before surgery?

Yes, but not for as long as in years past. Our current guidelines do not allow for solids after midnight; however, clear liquids like pulpless fruit juices, soda, broth, and jello are permitted up to 3 hours prior to surgery. Breast milk is permitted up to 3 hours prior to surgery; however, formula can only be given up to 4 hours prior to surgery. Remember, clear liquids means clear liquids. If you can't see through it or something solid such as a noodle is in it, you're disqualified. When in doubt, don't drink it, call us.

Can I be present while my child is going to sleep?

As a rule, yes; however, this is ultimately the decision of the attending anesthesiologist who will weigh the pro's and con's in your child's specific case. Children who benefit the most from having either Mom or Dad present are 18-24 months and older. In children under a year and a half of age; there are no studies to support that the child benefits from parental presence; however, this is assessed on a case by case basis. Finally, for safety reasons, we do not allow family to be present during the induction of anesthesia in children under the age of one.

Can I be present when my child wakes up?

Yes, the recovery room nurses are very attuned to this and will bring you in to the recovery room when you child has emerged sufficiently from the anesthetic.

Will my child be given a needle or a mask?

A mask is used the overwhelming majority of the time. An exception is when there is a family history of malignant hyperthermia, a potentially deadly inherited susceptibility to certain anesthetic medicines. The other exception is when the child volunteers a preference for an IV or refuses all available options.

What are the chances that my child will die from the anesthesia?

This is an extremely rare event. Several studies have compiled statistics which range from anywhere between 1:50,000 to 1:200,000 for children undergoing surgery. To put this in perspective, there is statistically greater chance that you will be killed in an automobile accident.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss an unusual aspect of your child's medical history, a preoperative consultation with a pediatric subspecialist is available at no charge. Please call 443-849-2202 for an appointment.

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