Dr. David Coleman Downie – General Surgeon | Brantford, ON

Dr. David Coleman Downie is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Brantford and performing surgeries at Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital in Brantford, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the standards and guidelines set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His role focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Downie performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The surgical 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.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen’s University in Canada and has accumulated over 28 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1996. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification reflect his commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Downie’s professional philosophy is centered on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to minimize patient discomfort and promote quicker recoveries. Dr. Downie collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to continuous learning to maintain surgical excellence. He provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, serving the Brantford community with compassion and expertise.

Dr. David Downie provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Downie 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.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.

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. Downie.

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. Downie practices primarily at a well-equipped surgical clinic situated in the West Brant neighborhood of Brantford. This clinic serves as a convenient and comfortable setting for consultations, assessments, and follow-up appointments. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the Brant Community Healthcare System Hospital, known for its modern facilities and dedicated surgical units. The clinic and hospital are easily accessible via public transportation, including Brantford Transit, and offer ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking for patients with mobility needs. The practice location is designed to ensure patient comfort, privacy, and ease of access. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and meet current standards for patient safety and comfort. Patients can expect a professional environment focused on personalized care and surgical excellence, with a commitment to supporting patient well-being throughout their surgical journey. The proximity to landmarks such as the Bell Homestead National Historic Site offers additional convenience for local residents and visitors alike.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Downie do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Downie 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.

221 Brant Avenue
Brantford, ON N3T 3J2

Clinic Phone: (519) 753-8666 | Clinic Fax: (519) 753-5672

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

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

Verify Dr. Downie's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Downie-David-Coleman/0050197-64176