Dr. Jozef Wilhelm Niekerk is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Jozef Van Niekerk Clinic Medicine Hat and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Medicine Hat, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). Dr. Niekerk’s role focuses 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-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 South Africa and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. His credentials include certifications such as LMCC and M.MED (SA) - Master of Medicine South Africa in General Surgery. These qualifications reflect his extensive training and commitment to surgical excellence, ensuring he is well-equipped to handle a wide variety of surgical cases with competence and confidence.
Dr. Niekerk’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he employs minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery and reduced discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, he remains dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Additionally, Dr. Niekerk communicates effectively in Afrikaans, alongside English, to serve a diverse patient population in Medicine Hat.
Dr. Jozef Niekerk provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Niekerk addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Niekerk addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Jozef Niekerk is necessary.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
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. Niekerk.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Niekerk's primary clinic is located at Jozef Van Niekerk Clinic Medicine Hat, situated in the heart of Medicine Hat's vibrant Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, and River Flats neighborhoods. The clinic offers a welcoming environment for consultations, examinations, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas. The practice location is easily accessible via the Commercial Corridor, with convenient parking options, including accessible parking, and is reachable by Medicine Hat Transit. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional and patient-oriented environment for all surgical and medical needs.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Niekerk do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Niekerk, 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. Niekerk provides comprehensive surgical management.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Niekerk?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Niekerk 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. Niekerk ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Niekerk may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Niekerk has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Niekerk?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Niekerk 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. Niekerk will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Niekerk perform?
- Dr. Niekerk, 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. Niekerk may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Niekerk perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Niekerk 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. Niekerk would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
Jozef Van Niekerk Clinic Medicine Hat
439 6th AVE SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5A9
Clinic Phone: (403) 487-5152 | Clinic Fax: (404) 487-5153
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Niekerk is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Niekerk for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Niekerk's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fd6ae7d3-8f13-4483-942d-565a910b084a&i=1488