About
Dr. Julie Cournoyer is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at CISSSO Hôpital de Papineau and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Gatineau, QC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and personalized care. She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Dr. Cournoyer’s approach 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.
Dr. Cournoyer holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has over 33 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1991. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Quebec. Her credentials reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical care and continuous professional development.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Dr. Cournoyer utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Dedicated to surgical excellence, she provides consultations and surgical care in French, committed to serving the diverse community of Gatineau with compassion and expertise.
Dr. Julie Cournoyer provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Cournoyer 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.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Cournoyer addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
- 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).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Julie Cournoyer is necessary.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
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. Cournoyer.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Cournoyer's primary practice is located at the CISSSO Hôpital de Papineau in Gatineau, in the Buckingham Sector neighborhood. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are situated near the Canadian Museum of History, easily accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), including the Rapibus BRT system. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring convenient access to services.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Cournoyer perform?
- Dr. Cournoyer, 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. Cournoyer may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Cournoyer?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Cournoyer 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. Cournoyer 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. Cournoyer?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Cournoyer doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Cournoyer 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. Cournoyer after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Cournoyer do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Cournoyer, 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. Cournoyer provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Cournoyer ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Cournoyer 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. Cournoyer has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Cournoyer?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Cournoyer if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
CISSSO Hôpital de Papineau
155 Rue MacLaren E
Gatineau, QC J8L 0C2
Clinic Phone: (819) 986-4115 | Clinic Fax: (819) 986-4118
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Cournoyer is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Cournoyer for services covered by the provincial health plan (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)).
Verify Dr. Cournoyer's registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=85332