Dr. James Allan Masters – General Surgeon | Sudbury, ON

Dr. James Allan Masters is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Sudbury and performing surgeries at Health Sciences North Hospital in Sudbury, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Masters 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 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 Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine (Canada). With over 10 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2014, he is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and experience enable him to deliver safe and effective surgical care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Masters’s professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He adopts a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to promote faster recovery and minimal discomfort. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Masters provides surgical consultations and care in English, serving the Sudbury community with compassion and expertise.

Dr. James Masters provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Masters addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).

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

• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.

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. Masters.

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. Masters practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in Sudbury's Downtown Sudbury, Minnow Lake, and Ramsey Lake Area neighborhoods. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Health Sciences North Hospital, which is conveniently situated nearby. The clinic is accessible via GOVA Transit (Greater Sudbury Transit) and is situated close to Science North, making it easy for patients to reach. The facility and affiliated hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, providing convenient access for all.

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

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Masters 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. Masters will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Masters?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Masters 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. Masters perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Masters 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. Masters's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Masters ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Masters 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. Masters 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.

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

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Masters 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. Masters whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Masters do?

Dr. Masters, 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.

Suite 451, 865 Regent St. S. Suite 429
Sudbury, ON P3E 3Y9

Clinic Phone: (705) 523-7100 | Clinic Fax: (705) 523-7160

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

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

Verify Dr. Masters's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Masters-James-Allan/0258449-91269