Dr. Jung-Un Choi is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Cranbrook and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Cranbrook, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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. Her 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.
Dr. Choi graduated with MB BCh BAO from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2014. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and has obtained certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and credentials reflect her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is dedicated to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Choi utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. She is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, providing surgical consultations and care primarily in English to serve her patients in Cranbrook and the surrounding community.
Dr. Jung-Un Choi provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Choi addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Choi addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for 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. Jung-Un Choi is necessary.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- 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.
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. Choi.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Choi's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in the Cranbrook neighborhood, providing a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic is situated within a medical facility close to major healthcare amenities in Cranbrook, BC. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are easily accessible by patients. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The location offers convenient access via local public transit routes, making it accessible for most patients seeking surgical consultation and care.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Choi?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Choi doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Choi 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. Choi after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Choi perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Choi 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. Choi would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Choi do?
- Dr. Choi, 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Choi ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Choi, 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 surgical skills.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Choi perform?
- Dr. Choi, 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. Choi may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Choi?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Choi 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. Choi?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Choi is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Choi 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.
13 24TH Ave N, Kootenay Regional Hospital
Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H9
Clinic Phone: (250) 426-5281
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Choi is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Choi for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Choi's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343840/Choi%2CJung-Un