Dr. Andrew Paul Smith is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at UHN Toronto Western Hospital and performing surgeries at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, 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). He has 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. Dr. Smith's approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has accumulated over 11 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2013. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing surgical excellence.
Dr. Smith is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered philosophy. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he aims to deliver comprehensive management tailored to each patient’s unique needs. His dedication to ongoing professional development ensures that patients in Thunder Bay receive the highest quality surgical care. Dr. Smith offers consultations and surgical care in English, fostering a compassionate and professional environment for all patients.
Dr. Andrew Smith provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Smith addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Smith addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Andrew Smith is necessary.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
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. Smith.
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. Smith's primary clinic is located at UHN Toronto Western Hospital in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to providing a comfortable setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Smith ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Smith, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Smith?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Smith varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Smith will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Smith?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Smith doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Smith to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Smith after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Smith perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Smith is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Smith's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Smith?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Smith if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Smith do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Smith, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Smith provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Smith perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Smith to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Smith would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
UHN Toronto Western Hospital
Room 3Mc-420, 984 Oliver Road, Department of Medical Imaging
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7C7
Clinic Phone: (807) 346-1440
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Smith 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. Smith for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Smith-Andrew-Paul/0282697-99184