Dr. Martha Louise Talbot – General Surgeon | Nanaimo, BC

Dr. Martha Louise Talbot is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Nanaimo and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Nanaimo, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines 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. Dr. Talbot's 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 graduated with an MD from the University of Toronto in 2017 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She also holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring she maintains the highest standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.

Dr. Talbot's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, she aims to optimize recovery and outcomes for her patients. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, she is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence to serve the Nanaimo community effectively. Dr. Talbot provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, ensuring clear and compassionate communication with her patients.

Dr. Martha Talbot provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Talbot addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Talbot addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• 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. Martha Talbot is necessary.

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland (for nodules, cancer, or hyperthyroidism).
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
• Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Excision of lumps and bumps (soft tissue masses) for diagnosis and treatment.

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. Talbot.

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. Talbot practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in the Central Nanaimo neighborhood of Nanaimo, BC. The clinic is situated conveniently near Downtown Nanaimo, accessible via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment designed for comfort and privacy during consultations, pre-operative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Ample parking options, including accessible parking, are usually available nearby, providing convenient access for patients and visitors. The practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring that each individual receives personalized care in a safe and supportive setting.

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

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Talbot 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. Talbot will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Talbot do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Talbot, 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. Talbot provides comprehensive surgical management.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Talbot ever specialize further?

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

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

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Talbot?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Talbot 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. Talbot will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

1621 Dufferin Cres., Suite 301
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5T4

Clinic Phone: (250) 824-2170 | Clinic Fax: (250) 591-2911

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

Dr. Talbot 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. Talbot for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Talbot's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/359762/Talbot%2CMartha