Dr. Clifford Brian Sample – General Surgeon | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Clifford Brian Sample 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, 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 Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patient safety and quality care are always prioritized. Dr. Sample has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The practice 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. Sample graduated with his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 1998. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains current certifications including Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These credentials reflect his extensive training and commitment to maintaining excellence in surgical practice.

His professional philosophy centers around providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Sample is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Sample provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, aiming to deliver compassionate and expert surgical services to the Edmonton community.

Dr. Clifford Sample provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Sample 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.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Sample addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.

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

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

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. Sample.

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. Sample's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical practice in Edmonton, situated in the SW: Lendrum Place, Malmo Plains, Lansdowne neighborhood. The clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are generally performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The location is conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes, with ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking. The proximity to well-known landmarks such as Galaxyland ensures ease of access for patients and visitors. The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring comprehensive, high-quality surgical care in a comfortable setting.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Sample ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Sample, 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.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Sample 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. Sample 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. Sample?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Sample 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. Sample will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Sample do?

Dr. Sample, 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.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Sample 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.

817 Saddleback Rd NW
Edmonton, AB T6J 5R4

Clinic Phone: (780) 760-4686 | Clinic Fax: (780) 757-6146

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

Dr. Sample 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. Sample for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Sample's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=0d356c59-8a9f-4b4d-8311-fd83b97504a0&i=1272