Dr. Elliot Samuel Faris Wakeam – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Elliot Samuel Faris Wakeam is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Taunton Surgical Center and performing surgeries at University Health Network Hospital in Toronto, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Wakeam has extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Thomas Jefferson University in the United States. With over 7 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2017, Dr. Wakeam is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His training and certification underscore his commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Wakeam’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to continuous learning, Dr. Wakeam strives to uphold the highest standards of surgical practice, offering expert surgical consultations and care in English to patients in Toronto and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Elliot Wakeam provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Wakeam addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Wakeam addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Elliot Wakeam is necessary.

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.

Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Wakeam.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Wakeam’s primary clinic is located at Taunton Surgical Center, situated in Toronto's Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment designed for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the University Health Network Hospital, which is easily accessible via public transportation and offers comprehensive facilities. The area is well-served by TTC services including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, with convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a seamless experience for all patients.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Wakeam do?

Dr. Wakeam, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.

Does Dr. Wakeam perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Wakeam are trained in and regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique involves making several small incisions instead of one large one, using a camera and specialized instruments to perform the operation. Laparoscopic approaches are common for procedures like gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and hernia repair, often resulting in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activities. You should discuss with Dr. Wakeam whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Wakeam?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Wakeam is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Wakeam will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Wakeam ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Wakeam, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Wakeam?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Wakeam is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Wakeam perform?

Dr. Wakeam, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Wakeam may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Wakeam?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Wakeam is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Wakeam will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

Taunton Surgical Center
200 Elizabeth St
Toronto, ON M5G 2C4

Clinic Phone: (416) 340-5415 | Clinic Fax: (416) 340-3660

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Wakeam is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Wakeam for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Wakeam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Wakeam-Elliot-Samuel-Faris/0266312-93196