Dr. Matthew Clinton Holmes is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Thunder Bay and performing surgeries at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). 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 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.
Dr. Holmes graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada. With over 17 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2007, he has developed a deep understanding of surgical care and patient needs. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring compliance with the rigorous standards of medical practice in Ontario.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Holmes emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. His commitment is to deliver compassionate and expert surgical care to the community in Thunder Bay. All consultations and surgical care are provided in English, with a focus on respect, understanding, and personalized treatment plans.
Dr. Matthew Holmes provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Holmes addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Holmes addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Matthew Holmes is necessary.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast 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. Holmes.
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. Holmes's primary clinic is located at a well-equipped surgical clinic in Thunder Bay, situated in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood. From this accessible location, patients can expect a professional and welcoming environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, a modern facility equipped to handle a wide range of surgical interventions. The clinic and hospital are conveniently accessible via Thunder Bay Transit, with parking options usually available nearby, including accessible parking for patients with mobility needs. The practice is situated near Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT), making it accessible for patients traveling from outside the immediate area. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy, providing a safe and supportive environment for all surgical patients and their families.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Holmes perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Holmes 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. Holmes's areas of focus within general surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Holmes ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Holmes 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. Holmes 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Holmes?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Holmes 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. Holmes 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. Holmes?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Holmes doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Holmes 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. Holmes after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Holmes perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Holmes 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. Holmes whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Holmes?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Holmes is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.
3rd floor, 300A - 984 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7C7
Clinic Phone: (807) 346-9747 | Clinic Fax: (807) 346-4312
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Holmes 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. Holmes for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Holmes's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Holmes-Matthew-Clinton/0190158-77635