About
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Cold Lake and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Cold Lake, 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. Dr. Ahmad's practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Pakistan in 1990 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and obtained the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. His credentials reflect a strong foundation in surgical principles and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Dr. Ahmad’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. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to enhance recovery and reduce patient discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to surgical excellence for the residents of Cold Lake. Fluent in Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu, and English, he effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring understanding and comfort throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Ahmad addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Ahmad addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad is necessary.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
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. Ahmad.
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. Ahmad practices primarily at a surgical clinic situated within a medical center in Cold Lake, providing a dedicated and comfortable environment for consultations and follow-up care. The clinic is conveniently located in Cold Lake’s healthcare district, easily accessible via local public transit routes. Patients can find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort, safety, and privacy. The practice is situated close to major healthcare facilities, enabling seamless coordination for surgical procedures and post-operative care. Patients and visitors can expect a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to high-quality surgical care and patient well-being.
- Does Dr. Ahmad perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Ahmad 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. Ahmad whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Ahmad ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Ahmad 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. Ahmad 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. Ahmad?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Ahmad is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Ahmad 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Ahmad?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Ahmad doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Ahmad 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. Ahmad after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Ahmad?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Ahmad 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Ahmad perform?
- Dr. Ahmad, 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. Ahmad may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
314 25 St, Cold Lake Healthcare Centre
Cold Lake, AB T9M 1G6
Clinic Phone: (780) 639-3322 | Clinic Fax: (780) 639-3700
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Ahmad 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. Ahmad for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Ahmad's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ac87c007-d95a-412f-9b1f-c4489851a46a&i=33