About
Dr. Ashley Hazel Shaw is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Powell River and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Powell River, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is skilled and compassionate, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Shaw graduated with her MD from the University of British Columbia in 2015. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she stays current with the latest advancements in surgical practices.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, with a patient-centered approach that emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dr. Shaw’s dedication to surgical excellence aims to deliver the best possible outcomes for her patients in Powell River. She provides surgical consultations and ongoing care in English, ensuring accessibility and clarity in communication.
Dr. Ashley Shaw provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Shaw addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Shaw addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Ashley Shaw is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
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. Shaw.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Shaw practices at a dedicated surgical clinic located within a reputable medical facility in Powell River. The clinic is situated conveniently in the Powell River neighborhood, close to major healthcare facilities and accessible via local public transit routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated parking lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Shaw ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Shaw, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Shaw perform?
- Dr. Shaw, 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. Shaw may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Shaw perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Shaw 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. Shaw whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Shaw?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Shaw 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. Shaw will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Shaw?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Shaw is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Shaw 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.
6935 Harvie Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5H9
Clinic Phone: (604) 485-0152 | Clinic Fax: (604) 485-0158
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Shaw is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Shaw for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Shaw's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/339214/Shaw%2CAshley