Dr. Janice Lynn Austin – General Surgeon | Burlington, ON

Dr. Janice Lynn Austin is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Burlington and performing surgeries at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is both professional and caring, dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Austin graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). She has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2016, accumulating over 8 years of experience in the field. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification ensure that she remains at the forefront of surgical practices, committed to ongoing professional development.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Austin utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce surgical trauma. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Burlington. Additionally, she communicates effectively in French and English, enabling her to serve a diverse patient population with compassion and understanding.

Dr. Janice Austin provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Austin 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.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Austin addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
• 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. Janice Austin is necessary.

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.

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. Austin.

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. Austin practices primarily at a surgical clinic situated in the heart of Burlington, located in the Downtown Burlington, Central neighborhood. Her clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Joseph Brant Hospital, which is easily accessible via public transportation, including Burlington Transit. The hospital and clinic facilities are wheelchair accessible, with designated parking available near both locations, including accessible spots. The practice is conveniently positioned near the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), providing a serene setting for consultations and follow-up care. Patients can expect a caring, efficient, and patient-focused environment for all their surgical needs.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Austin ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Austin 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. Austin has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Austin perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Austin do?

Dr. Austin, 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Austin?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Austin 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. Austin 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. Austin?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Austin 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.

3305 Harvester Rd
Burlington, ON L7R 4J4

Clinic Phone: (289) 427-0252 | Clinic Fax: (905) 592-2552

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

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

Verify Dr. Austin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Austin-Janice-Lynn/0291010-102432