Dr. John Wilson Drover – General Surgeon | Kingston, ON

Dr. John Wilson Drover is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Gateway Community Health Centre and performing surgeries at Kingston Health Sciences Centre in Kingston, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Drover has expertise in 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 approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada and has accumulated over 32 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1992. Dr. Drover is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his qualifications meet rigorous national standards for surgical practice.

Dr. Drover’s professional philosophy is committed to 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 facilitate quicker recovery and reduce surgical risks. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and maintains a dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Drover is dedicated to delivering exceptional surgical care for patients in Kingston and provides consultations and surgical care in English.

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

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• 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.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.

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 Drover is necessary.

• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.

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. Drover.

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. Drover’s primary clinic is located at Gateway Community Health Centre in Kingston’s Downtown Kingston, Queen’s University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, which is accessible and close to the clinic. The facility is easily reachable via Kingston Transit, with parking typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. This environment provides a professional and compassionate setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care, ensuring a seamless patient experience.

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

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Drover to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Drover would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Drover do?

Dr. Drover, 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. Drover?

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

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Drover 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.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Drover ever specialize further?

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

Gateway Community Health Centre
Bag 99, 76 Stuart Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7

Clinic Phone: (613) 549-6666 | Clinic Fax: (613) 548-1325

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

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

Verify Dr. Drover's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Drover-John-Wilson/0042053-56031