Dr. Colin James Ward – General Surgeon | Barrie, ON

Dr. Colin James Ward is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Grand River Hospital and performing surgeries at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His 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. Ward adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective surgical practices for all patients.

He has earned his Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon for over 17 years since 2007. Dr. Ward is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience enable him to manage a wide variety of surgical conditions with proficiency and care, always prioritizing patient safety and outcomes.

Dr. Ward's professional philosophy centers around delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and less discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives for comprehensive management of each patient's unique needs. His dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence makes him a trusted provider for surgical consultations and care in Barrie. He provides services in English, with a focus on compassionate, personalized treatment for every patient.

Dr. Colin Ward provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Ward addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• 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.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.

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

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.

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. Ward.

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. Ward's primary clinic is located within the Grand River Hospital in Barrie's vibrant Downtown Barrie neighborhood, near East Bayfield. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, which is easily accessible from the clinic. The practice is situated close to the Barrie Waterfront (Kempenfelt Bay), with convenient access via Barrie Transit. 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. This location provides a central, accessible, and patient-oriented setting for comprehensive surgical services.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Ward 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. Ward will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Ward 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.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Ward perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Ward do?

Dr. Ward, 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.

Grand River Hospital
1 Quarry Ridge Road
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1

Clinic Phone: (705) 737-0363 | Clinic Fax: (705) 737-2842

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

Dr. Ward 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. Ward for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Ward's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ward-Colin-James/0191371-77616