Dr. Joan Elizabeth Ross – General Surgeon | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Joan Elizabeth Ross is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Sarnia located in the North End (Lake Huron frontage) neighborhood, she is a dedicated healthcare professional committed to providing high-quality surgical care. Her surgical procedures are typically performed at Bluewater Health Hospital, ensuring access to modern facilities and comprehensive patient support. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Dr. Ross’s practice environment emphasizes professionalism, patient-centered care, and a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring each patient receives personalized and effective surgical management.

She has earned her Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada and has over 30 years of experience as a General Surgeon, having started her practice in 1994. Dr. Ross is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist, and she maintains active licensure through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), license number 60372. Her extensive training and certification reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and patient safety.

Dr. Ross’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She adopts a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Whenever appropriate, she utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques to promote quicker recovery and reduce postoperative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of complex cases and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development to uphold surgical excellence for the residents of Sarnia. Dr. Ross provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring accessible communication for her patients.

Dr. Joan Ross provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Ross addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.

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

• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Procedures often performed under local anesthesia with attention to cosmetic closure.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.

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. Ross.

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. Ross's primary clinic is conveniently situated within a surgical clinic in Sarnia's North End, offering a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and postoperative follow-up. The clinic is easily accessible from nearby landmarks such as the Imperial Theatre and is well-served by Sarnia Transit routes. Ample parking options, including accessible parking, are usually available nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Bluewater Health Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas. Patients can expect seamless coordination between clinic visits and hospital-based procedures, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care in a safe and comfortable setting.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Ross perform?

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

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Ross ever specialize further?

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Ross do?

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

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

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Ross 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.

1098 London Rd
Sarnia, ON N7S 1P1

Clinic Phone: (519) 337-9999 | Clinic Fax: (519) 541-0873

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

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

Verify Dr. Ross's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Ross-Joan-Elizabeth/0046394-60372