About
Dr. Joseph Edmund Chan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Scarborough and performing surgeries at Scarborough Health Network Hospital in Scarborough, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His role encompasses diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Chan performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 15 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2009, he has developed extensive expertise in his field. Dr. Chan is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his comprehensive training and commitment to professional excellence.
Dr. Chan’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery and reduced discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. In addition to English, he communicates effectively in Cantonese, which helps serve the diverse community in Scarborough.
Dr. Joseph Chan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Chan addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Chan addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Joseph Chan is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open 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. Chan.
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. Chan’s primary clinic is situated at a reputable surgical clinic in Scarborough, conveniently located within the neighbourhood's medical facilities. The clinic serves as a comfortable and professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Scarborough Health Network Hospital, which is accessible via major roadways and public transit routes. The facility and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients benefit from convenient parking options nearby, including accessible parking, ensuring ease of access for all. The location’s proximity to major healthcare facilities and transportation options makes it an ideal setting for comprehensive surgical services in Scarborough.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Chan?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Chan doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Chan 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. Chan after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Chan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Chan 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. Chan whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Chan, 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. Chan provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Chan perform?
- Dr. Chan, 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. Chan may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Chan ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Chan, 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.
Suite 101, 3251 Sheppard Avenue East
Scarborough, ON M1T 3W5
Clinic Phone: (416) 546-7000 | Clinic Fax: (416) 546-5500
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Chan 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. Chan for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Chan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chan-Joseph-Edmund/0201660-85369