About
Dr. Mark Hamish Kimmins is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Courtenay and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Courtenay, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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. Kimmins graduated with an MD from the University of British Columbia in 1994. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety. Continuous professional development ensures he remains current with the latest advancements in surgical techniques and patient care.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Kimmins emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to facilitate quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing surgical excellence for patients in Courtenay. Dr. Kimmins provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, ensuring thorough understanding and communication throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Mark Kimmins provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Kimmins addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Kimmins addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Mark Kimmins is necessary.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
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. Kimmins.
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. Kimmins's primary practice is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Courtenay, situated in the vibrant Courtenay City, Comox, Cumberland, and Rural Comox Valley neighbourhood. The clinic offers a professional, comfortable environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Courtenay, BC, which are equipped to handle a wide range of surgical interventions. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic's location is conveniently accessible via the Comox Valley Transit System (BC Transit), and it is in close proximity to local landmarks such as the Sid Williams Theatre, making it easy for patients to reach for their surgical consultations and care needs.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kimmins ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Kimmins 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. Kimmins has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Kimmins do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Kimmins, 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. Kimmins provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Kimmins perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Kimmins 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. Kimmins's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kimmins?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Kimmins is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Kimmins 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Kimmins?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Kimmins 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Kimmins?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Kimmins doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Kimmins 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. Kimmins after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
1402 Crown Isle Blvd
Courtenay, BC V9N 0G3
Clinic Phone: (250) 207-0393
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Kimmins 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. Kimmins for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Kimmins's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/365361/Kimmins%2CMark