Dr. Jennifer Zhirui Li – General Surgeon | Unionville, ON

Dr. Jennifer Zhirui Li is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Unionville and performing surgeries at Markham Stouffville Hospital in Unionville, ON, 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 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. Dr. Li's approach is rooted in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2017, accumulating over 7 years of clinical experience. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), she maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her certifications reflect her dedication to providing the best possible surgical care in her community.

Dr. Li's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. She emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are well-informed about their treatment options. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to ongoing education and surgical innovation, she strives to offer the highest standards of care. Additionally, she communicates effectively in Chinese and Japanese, alongside English, to serve her diverse patient population in Unionville.

Dr. Jennifer Li provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Li addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Li addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

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 Li is necessary.

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.

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. Li.

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. Li's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic within a reputable medical facility in Unionville, offering a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is conveniently situated in the Unionville neighborhood, with easy access to major healthcare facilities, including Markham Stouffville Hospital, where many surgical procedures are performed. The location is accessible via local public transit routes, with ample parking available at or near the hospital and clinic, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, patient-oriented environment that supports comprehensive surgical care from initial consultation through recovery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Li do?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Li 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Li?

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

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Li, 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.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Li perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Li 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. Li's areas of focus within general surgery.

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

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

141 Main St
Unionville, ON L3R 2G7

Clinic Phone: (905) 477-5935 | Clinic Fax: (905) 477-5936

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

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

Verify Dr. Li's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Li-Jennifer-Zhirui/0280771-97827