About
Dr. Francis R. Sutherland is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sutherland Francis R Dr in Calgary, AB, 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 Alberta (CPSA). He has expertise in 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. 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 Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 1982. Following this, Dr. Sutherland completed extensive residency and fellowship training, accumulating over 37 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1987. He holds certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These credentials underscore his ongoing commitment to surgical excellence and continuous professional development.
Dr. Sutherland’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he is dedicated to comprehensive patient management. His ongoing dedication to professional development ensures that patients in Calgary receive the highest standard of surgical care. Dr. Sutherland provides surgical consultations and care in English, prioritizing patient understanding and comfort throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Francis Sutherland provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Sutherland addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Sutherland addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- 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. Francis Sutherland is necessary.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
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. Sutherland.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Sutherland operates at Sutherland Francis R Dr, situated in Calgary, AB. The clinic is conveniently located near the BMO Centre, easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. Patients can find parking at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots available. The practice offers a professional, welcoming environment designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and integrated with comprehensive hospital services to facilitate pre-operative assessments and post-operative care. Patients in Calgary’s NW neighborhoods—Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington)—are served through a nearby clinic, ensuring convenient access to quality surgical care in a modern, patient-oriented setting.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Sutherland do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Sutherland, 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. Sutherland provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Sutherland?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Sutherland 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. Sutherland ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Sutherland 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. Sutherland has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sutherland?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Sutherland is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Sutherland 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Sutherland perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Sutherland 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. Sutherland's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Does Dr. Sutherland perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Sutherland 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. Sutherland whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Sutherland?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Sutherland 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. Sutherland will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
Sutherland Francis R Dr
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9
Clinic Phone: (403) 944-1233 | Clinic Fax: (403) 944-3502
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Sutherland is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Sutherland for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Sutherland's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=bccdd3d1-fdae-463e-93ac-e8acdc36945c&i=1409