Dr. Donna Isabelle McRitchie – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Donna Isabelle McRitchie is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and performing surgeries at North York General Hospital in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. McRitchie graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. With over 32 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1992, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing education.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. McRitchie utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence, she provides consultations and surgical care in English, aiming to optimize outcomes for patients across Toronto.

Dr. Donna McRitchie provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. McRitchie addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.

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

• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• 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).
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

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. McRitchie.

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. McRitchie's primary clinic is located at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto's Bayview Village neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at North York General Hospital, which is accessible via public transportation and has ample parking options nearby. 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. The practice is conveniently situated close to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and is easily accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), ensuring ease of access for all patients and visitors.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. McRitchie do?

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

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. McRitchie 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. McRitchie 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. McRitchie perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. McRitchie are trained in and regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique involves making several small incisions instead of one large one, using a camera and specialized instruments to perform the operation. Laparoscopic approaches are common for procedures like gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and hernia repair, often resulting in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activities. You should discuss with Dr. McRitchie whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. McRitchie perform?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. McRitchie 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. McRitchie?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. McRitchie ever specialize further?

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

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
3rd Floor, 4001 Leslie Street
Toronto, ON M2K 1E1

Clinic Phone: (416) 756-6906 | Clinic Fax: (416) 756-6909

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

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

Verify Dr. McRitchie's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McRitchie-Donna-Isabelle/0041749-55725