Dr. Megan Susie Melland-Smith – General Surgeon | North York, ON

Dr. Megan Susie Melland-Smith is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Buckhorn Regional Health Centre and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in North York, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres strictly to the 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. Her 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. Melland-Smith graduated with a Medical Degree from the National University of Ireland (Ireland). With over 2 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2022, she is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her professional training and certification ensure that she is well-equipped to manage a broad spectrum of surgical conditions with expertise and confidence.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She adopts a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making throughout the treatment process. Dr. Melland-Smith utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate faster recovery and minimal discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her goal is to deliver exceptional surgical care to patients in North York, providing consultations and surgical services primarily in English.

Dr. Megan Melland-Smith provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Melland-Smith addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).

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

• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.

Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.

• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.

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. Melland-Smith.

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. Melland-Smith primarily practices at Buckhorn Regional Health Centre, located in the North York neighborhood. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are situated near major healthcare facilities, easily accessible via local public transit routes. The environment is professional and patient-oriented, designed to ensure comfort, privacy, and efficient care. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The facilities are wheelchair accessible, supporting patients with mobility needs. Patients can expect a welcoming setting for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with a focus on personalized service and comprehensive support.

Does Dr. Melland-Smith perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Melland-Smith ever specialize further?

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

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Melland-Smith?

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

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Melland-Smith is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Melland-Smith 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. Melland-Smith do?

Dr. Melland-Smith, 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.

Buckhorn Regional Health Centre
243-1333 Sheppard Ave E
North York, ON M2J 1V1

Clinic Phone: (647) 348-9930 | Clinic Fax: (647) 313-1335

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

Dr. Melland-Smith 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. Melland-Smith for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Melland-Smith's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/MellandSmith-Megan-Susie/0318594-113132