Dr. Jean Louis Francois Oosthuizen is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Penticton and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Penticton, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), holding license number 30936. His focus is on delivering safe, effective, and compassionate surgical care. Dr. Oosthuizen 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 holds a medical degree (MD) from the University of British Columbia (2015) and is certified as a General Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His certifications reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and continuous professional development.
Dr. Oosthuizen’s professional philosophy centers on a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the utilization of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of each patient's unique needs. Dedicated to surgical excellence, Dr. Oosthuizen provides consultations and surgical care in English, aiming to deliver personalized, compassionate care to residents of Penticton and surrounding communities.
Dr. Jean Oosthuizen provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Oosthuizen addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Oosthuizen addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Jean Oosthuizen is necessary.
- 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.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
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. Oosthuizen.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Oosthuizen's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Penticton, situated in the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, Naramata Bench (Rural South) neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, ensuring seamless integration of outpatient and inpatient care. The clinic is conveniently accessible, being close to the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC), and easily reachable via the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). The facility and hospital environments 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 practice provides a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up surgical care, emphasizing patient-centered service and safety.
- Does Dr. Oosthuizen perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Oosthuizen 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. Oosthuizen whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Oosthuizen?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Oosthuizen 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Oosthuizen ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Oosthuizen, 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Oosthuizen perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Oosthuizen 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. Oosthuizen's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Oosthuizen?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Oosthuizen doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Oosthuizen 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. Oosthuizen after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Oosthuizen do?
- Dr. Oosthuizen, 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.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Oosthuizen?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Oosthuizen is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Oosthuizen 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.
550 Carmi Ave Ste 101
Penticton, BC V2A 3G6
Clinic Phone: (250) 493-7944 | Clinic Fax: (250) 493-7964
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Oosthuizen is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Oosthuizen for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Oosthuizen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/338669/Oosthuizen%2CJean