Dr. Kevin Andrew Whitlock – General Surgeon | Grande Prairie, AB

Dr. Kevin Andrew Whitlock is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Grande Prairie and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Grande Prairie, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set forth by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). He has expertise in 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. The 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. Whitlock graduated with his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2014. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. His certification is recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), with license number 017347. He maintains a commitment to ongoing professional development, ensuring his skills remain current with the latest advances in surgical care and techniques.

His professional philosophy is centered on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Whitlock emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, he is dedicated to surgical excellence for patients in Grande Prairie. He provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring accessible and effective communication with his patients.

Dr. Kevin Whitlock provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Whitlock addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Whitlock addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Kevin Whitlock is necessary.

• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands (typically for hyperparathyroidism).
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
• 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. Whitlock.

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. Whitlock's primary clinic is located in a surgical clinic in Grande Prairie, situated in the Central Grande Prairie, Mountview, Swanavon neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals nearby. The clinic benefits from proximity to Prairie Mall and is accessible via Grande Prairie Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific details may vary depending on the facility, but the focus remains on offering a patient-centered experience.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Whitlock perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Whitlock ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Whitlock, 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.

Does Dr. Whitlock perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Whitlock do?

Dr. Whitlock, 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.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Whitlock?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock 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. Whitlock?

A surgical consultation with Dr. Whitlock doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

928-9909 102 St
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V4

Clinic Phone: (780) 539-4545 | Clinic Fax: (780) 532-6743

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Whitlock 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. Whitlock for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Whitlock's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fe8fc460-0cf2-4912-bf5a-505d9b04206d&i=1546