Dr. Ian Douglas McGilvray – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Ian Douglas McGilvray is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Rosedale Centre for Plastic Surgery and performing surgeries at Sinai Health System Hospital in Toronto, 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). Dr. McGilvray’s focus is on providing thorough, patient-centered care, addressing a wide spectrum of surgical needs with professionalism and compassion. 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. His approach is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and effective surgical care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques within a collaborative and supportive environment.

He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. McGilvray graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 23 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2001, he has built a reputation for surgical excellence and dedication to patient well-being. His extensive training and certification ensure that he remains at the forefront of surgical advancements and best practices.

Dr. McGilvray is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to facilitate faster recovery and reduce surgical risks. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management for complex conditions. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. McGilvray also communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve Toronto’s diverse patient population. His practice is rooted in a philosophy of compassionate care, technical precision, and continuous learning to best serve his patients.

Dr. Ian McGilvray provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. McGilvray addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.

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

• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.

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. McGilvray.

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. McGilvray’s primary clinic is located at the Rosedale Centre for Plastic Surgery, situated in Toronto’s Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, which is conveniently accessible and equipped with modern facilities. 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 clinic’s location provides easy access via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), making it convenient for patients from various parts of Toronto and surrounding areas. The environment promotes a professional, patient-oriented experience where individuals can receive comprehensive care in a comfortable setting, with close coordination between surgical teams and support staff.

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

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

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. McGilvray doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. McGilvray to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. McGilvray after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. McGilvray do?

Dr. McGilvray, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. McGilvray ever specialize further?

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. McGilvray 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. McGilvray perform?

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

Rosedale Centre for Plastic Surgery
585 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 2N2

Clinic Phone: (416) 340-4800 | Clinic Fax: (416) 340-5242

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

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

Verify Dr. McGilvray's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/McGilvray-Ian-Douglas/0052484-66448