About
Dr. Laura Louise Whiteacre is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital and performing surgeries at Humber River Hospital in Toronto, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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. The surgical 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.
She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Whiteacre graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. With over 38 years of experience as a General Surgeon, she has been practicing since 1986, continually expanding her skills and expertise in surgical care. Her extensive clinical background ensures she provides evidence-based, effective treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Dr. Whiteacre's 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. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, she aims to minimize patient discomfort and promote faster recovery. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Fluent in English and Italian, she effectively communicates with a diverse patient population, ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
Dr. Laura Whiteacre provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Whiteacre addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Whiteacre addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Laura Whiteacre is necessary.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
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. Whiteacre.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Whiteacre's primary clinic is located at The Ottawa Hospital in Toronto's Downsview Northwest (Jane and Finch) neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Humber River Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and patient care facilities. The clinic and hospital are conveniently accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), with nearby parking options, including accessible parking. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The practice is situated close to Polson Pier, making it easily reachable for patients in the Toronto area.
- Does Dr. Whiteacre perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Whiteacre 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. Whiteacre whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Whiteacre?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Whiteacre 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. Whiteacre will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Whiteacre?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Whiteacre is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Whiteacre 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Whiteacre do?
- Dr. Whiteacre, 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. Whiteacre ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Whiteacre, 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Whiteacre perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Whiteacre 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. Whiteacre's areas of focus within general surgery.
The Ottawa Hospital
2115 Finch Avenue West, Department Of Radiology
Toronto, ON M3N 2V6
Clinic Phone: (416) 740-3949 | Clinic Fax: (416) 740-6734
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Whiteacre is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Whiteacre for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Whiteacre's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Whiteacre-Laura-Louise/0038137-52113