Dr. Cecily Catharine Jonker – General Surgeon | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Cecily Catharine Jonker is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Kamloops and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Kamloops, 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 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. Jonker graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 2012. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains certification through the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest advances in surgical practice, providing her patients with the most effective and safe treatment options.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Jonker utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery and reduce surgical risks. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, ensuring her patients receive thorough and compassionate service in Kamloops.

Dr. Cecily Jonker provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Jonker addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Jonker addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.

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

• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).

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. Jonker.

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. Jonker primarily practices at a surgical clinic situated in Kamloops, located in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighbourhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within Kamloops. The clinic is easily accessible, situated near the North Shore Business Improvement Area, and is well connected via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). The facility and the affiliated hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment is professional and patient-oriented, providing a comfortable setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care.

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Jonker is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Jonker 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. Jonker ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Jonker may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Jonker has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Jonker do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Jonker, 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. Jonker provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Jonker 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. Jonker would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Jonker 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.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Jonker doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Jonker 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. Jonker after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Jonker perform?

Dr. Jonker, 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. Jonker may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

321 Nicola St Ste 400
Kamloops, BC V2C 6G6

Clinic Phone: (250) 828-2848 | Clinic Fax: (250) 828-2948

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

Dr. Jonker 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. Jonker for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Jonker's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/333712/Jonker%2CCecily