Dr. Christine ChenJia Li – General Surgeon | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Christine ChenJia Li is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Edmonton and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Edmonton, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). 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. The clinic’s environment 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. Li graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from McMaster University in 2018. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. Her certifications and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest surgical techniques and standards of care.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Li is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence, she also communicates effectively in Mandarin, in addition to English, to serve Edmonton’s diverse patient population.

Dr. Christine Li provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Li addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.

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

• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.

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. Li.

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

Dr. Li's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood. The clinic offers a comfortable, professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. The location is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, and is close to major landmarks such as the Edmonton Oilers NHL Team. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, with accessible parking facilities to accommodate all patients.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Li 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. Li perform?

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

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Li do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Li ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Li 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. Li has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

10240 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9

Clinic Phone: (780) 735-4111

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

Dr. Li is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Li for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Li's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=78d363e4-7edf-47ac-8b0b-a35d1710791e&i=858