About
Dr. Jennifer Schendel 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, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). 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 clinical focus is on providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Schendel graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2015. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. She is board-certified and maintains active licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), license number 021808. Her ongoing commitment to professional development ensures she remains current with the latest surgical techniques and standards of care.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Schendel utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management of complex conditions. Dedicated to surgical excellence, she provides consultations and care in English, aiming to deliver the highest quality outcomes for her patients in Red Deer.
Dr. Jennifer Schendel provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Schendel addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Schendel addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Schendel is necessary.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
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. Schendel.
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. Schendel's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Red Deer, situated in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Bower Place Shopping Centre and is well served by Red Deer Transit, ensuring easy access for patients. The facility is designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, featuring wheelchair accessible entrances and treatment areas. Surgical procedures are usually performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern surgical suites. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots for patients with mobility needs. The environment is professional, welcoming, and focused on providing optimal care and follow-up services in a safe and comfortable setting.
- Does Dr. Schendel perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Schendel 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. Schendel whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Schendel?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Schendel doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Schendel 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. Schendel after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Schendel?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Schendel 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Schendel do?
- Dr. Schendel, 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. Schendel?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Schendel 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. Schendel will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Schendel perform?
- Dr. Schendel, 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. Schendel may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7
Clinic Phone: (403) 343-4422
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Schendel 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. Schendel for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Schendel's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=873e27ef-e893-499c-a6ca-a1042d5c678e&i=1288