About
Dr. Elizabeth Michelle Haddad is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Headwaters Health Care Centre and performing surgeries at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Hospital in Chatham, 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 rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Haddad graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa (Canada). With over 19 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2005, she brings a wealth of knowledge and surgical expertise. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to the rigorous standards of Canadian surgical practice.
Her professional philosophy is centered 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. Haddad utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her goal is to deliver compassionate, expert surgical care to the community of Chatham and surrounding areas.
Dr. Elizabeth Haddad provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Haddad addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Haddad addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- 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.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Elizabeth Haddad is necessary.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum 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. Haddad.
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. Haddad practices primarily at Headwaters Health Care Centre, located in the heart of Chatham's medical district. The clinic is situated in a convenient area with easy access to major healthcare facilities, ensuring seamless coordination of surgical and post-operative care. The practice is accessible via local public transit routes, and parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with dedicated staff committed to patient well-being.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Haddad?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Haddad if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Haddad ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Haddad may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Haddad has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Haddad perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Haddad is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Haddad's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Haddad?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Haddad 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. Haddad will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Haddad?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Haddad 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. Haddad will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
Headwaters Health Care Centre
744 Richmond St
Chatham, ON N7M 5J5
Clinic Phone: (519) 354-7676 | Clinic Fax: (519) 358-1361
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Haddad 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. Haddad for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Haddad's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Haddad-Elizabeth-Michelle/0168846-74875