About
Dr. Kathleen Allison Garber is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Powell River and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Powell River, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the highest 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. Dr. Garber 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. Garber graduated with her MD from the University of British Columbia in 2016 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her practice aligns with current clinical standards and best practices in surgical care.
Her professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. Dr. Garber utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, aiming to deliver the highest standard of surgical care for the residents of Powell River. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring effective communication with her patients.
Dr. Kathleen Garber provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Garber addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Garber addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Kathleen Garber is necessary.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
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. Garber.
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. Garber's primary practice is located at a well-equipped surgical clinic in Powell River, situated in the neighborhood known for its accessibility and proximity to major healthcare facilities. The clinic offers convenient access to patients via local public transit routes and features wheelchair-accessible entrances and patient-friendly amenities. The clinic and affiliated hospitals are equipped with modern facilities designed to ensure patient comfort, safety, and privacy. Patients can typically find ample parking nearby, including accessible parking options. Surgical procedures are usually performed at the affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped to support a wide range of surgical interventions, including emergency and outpatient surgeries. The environment fosters a professional, compassionate, and patient-oriented approach, ensuring comprehensive care from initial consultation through recovery.
- Does Dr. Garber perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Garber 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. Garber whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Garber?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Garber is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Garber 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Garber perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Garber is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Garber's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Garber ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Garber, 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Garber?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Garber is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Garber will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Garber?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Garber 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Garber do?
- Dr. Garber, 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.
6935 Harvie Ave
Powell River, BC V8A 5H9
Clinic Phone: (604) 485-0152
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Garber 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. Garber for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Garber's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/341040/Garber%2CKathleen