Dr. Jed Brendan Scharf – General Surgeon | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Jed Brendan Scharf is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Red Deer and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Red Deer, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His role focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Scharf 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 Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of British Columbia in 2012 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. His certifications include LMCC and FRCPC - Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians Canada in General Surgery. These credentials attest to his extensive training and commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Scharf’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 minimize patient discomfort and optimize recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, and he is dedicated to continual learning and surgical innovation. Dr. Scharf is committed to delivering exemplary surgical care to the residents of Red Deer, providing consultations and surgical treatments in English.

Dr. Jed Scharf provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Scharf addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.

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

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general 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. Scharf.

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. Scharf primarily practices at a surgical clinic located in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood of Red Deer. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Red Deer, AB. The clinic is conveniently situated near the G.H. Dawe Community Centre and is accessible via Red Deer Transit. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients will find convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, to facilitate easy access to services.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Scharf doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Scharf 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. Scharf after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Scharf do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Scharf, 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. Scharf provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

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

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Scharf is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Scharf 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Scharf ever specialize further?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Scharf 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.

Unit 301 4132 50 Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 3Z2

Clinic Phone: (403) 343-4422

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

Dr. Scharf 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. Scharf for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Scharf's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=3dbf0cdd-82b3-409d-867f-111796e8dc5b&i=1287