About
Dr. James Edward Massey Young is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Hamilton and performing surgeries at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, 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. Young's role involves 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 the University of Toronto, Canada, and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 1974, accumulating over 50 years of surgical experience. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing education to maintain surgical excellence.
Dr. Young is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered philosophy. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. His dedication to ongoing professional development reflects his commitment to surgical excellence for patients in Hamilton. Dr. Young provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, ensuring effective communication with his patients.
Dr. James Young provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Young addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Young addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
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 Young is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
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. Young.
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. Young's primary clinic is situated in a modern surgical facility located in Hamilton's Corktown and Stinson neighborhoods. Patients can access his clinic conveniently near Hamilton Farmers' Market, with easy transit options via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital, a trusted facility equipped with advanced surgical technology. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The environment is professional, welcoming, and focused on providing comprehensive consultation and follow-up surgical care in a calm, patient-centered setting.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Young?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Young 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Young do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Young, 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. Young provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Young?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Young doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Young 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. Young after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Young perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Young 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. Young whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Young perform?
- Dr. Young, 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. Young may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
Unit 28-29, 50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Clinic Phone: (905) 541-7255 | Clinic Fax: (905) 628-6700
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Young 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. Young for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Young's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Young-James-Edward-Massey/0022713-27504