Dr. Douglas Michael Cleminson is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Belleville and performing surgeries at Campbellford Memorial Hospital in Belleville, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that all care provided is safe, effective, and patient-centered. Dr. Cleminson’s focus is on 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. His approach is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to optimize outcomes.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 1991, bringing over 33 years of extensive clinical experience to his patients. Dr. Cleminson is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical expertise and professionalism.
Dr. Cleminson’s professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce postoperative discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Additionally, he communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve a diverse patient population in Belleville and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Douglas Cleminson provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cleminson 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): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Cleminson addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Douglas Cleminson is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
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. Cleminson.
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. Cleminson's primary clinic is located in a dedicated surgical clinic in Belleville's West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood, offering a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is conveniently situated near Quinte Mall on North Front Street and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Patients can find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Campbellford Memorial Hospital, which is equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. The practice provides an engaging and compassionate setting for patients seeking expert surgical care, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and personalized treatment plans.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cleminson?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cleminson 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. Cleminson will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Does Dr. Cleminson perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Cleminson 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. Cleminson whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cleminson perform?
- Dr. Cleminson, 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. Cleminson may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cleminson ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Cleminson, 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. Cleminson?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Cleminson 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cleminson do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Cleminson, 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. Cleminson provides comprehensive surgical management.
Suite 212, 265 Dundas Street East
Belleville, ON K8N 5A9
Clinic Phone: (613) 969-9556
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cleminson 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. Cleminson for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Cleminson's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cleminson-Douglas-Michael/0043320-57298