Dr. John Patrick Thomas Ffrench Taylor – General Surgeon | Sarnia, ON

Dr. John Patrick Thomas Ffrench Taylor is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and performing surgeries at Bluewater Health Hospital in Sarnia, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Taylor adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice aligns with the latest Canadian surgical guidelines. His focus is on 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-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Taylor graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Pretoria School of Medicine in South Africa. With over 32 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1992, he has developed a deep expertise in a wide range of surgical procedures. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms his qualifications and commitment to ongoing professional development. His extensive clinical experience allows him to tailor surgical interventions to each patient's unique needs, ensuring optimal outcomes and personalized care.

Driven by a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Taylor emphasizes a patient-centered approach that values clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce surgical risks. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he ensures comprehensive management of complex conditions. Dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Sarnia, Dr. Taylor also communicates effectively in Dutch, French, and English, enabling him to serve a diverse patient population with compassion and professionalism.

Dr. John Taylor provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• 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.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.

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. Taylor.

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. Taylor's primary clinic is located at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre in Sarnia’s Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood, offering a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Bluewater Health Hospital, which is accessible and equipped for a wide range of surgical services. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice is conveniently situated near Ferry Dock Park, with accessibility via Sarnia Transit and ample parking available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The environment emphasizes a patient-focused approach, ensuring ease of access and a supportive setting for all patients.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Taylor perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Taylor ever specialize further?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Taylor 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. Taylor?

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

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Taylor do?

Dr. Taylor, 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.

The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
140 Cameron Street, Box 912 Division of Medical Oncology
Sarnia, ON N7T 4A8

Clinic Phone: (518) 383-7597 | Clinic Fax: (519) 383-7592

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

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

Verify Dr. Taylor's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Taylor-John-Patrick-Thomas-Ffrench/0156772-73201