Dr. Michael Donald MacLeod – General Surgeon | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Michael Donald MacLeod is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Baliski Christopher Dr and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Kelowna, BC, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His 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. He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. MacLeod's approach emphasizes safety, effectiveness, and evidence-based practices, ensuring each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

He holds his medical degree (MD) from the University of Alberta, obtained in 1984, and is certified as a General Surgeon by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence is reflected in his ongoing professional development and adherence to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. MacLeod’s professional philosophy centers on a patient-centered approach, prioritizing clear communication, shared decision-making, and minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each case. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and compassionate surgical care to the Kelowna community, with a focus on delivering optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Dr. Michael MacLeod provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Surgical resection (gastrectomy) as a primary treatment for localized stomach cancer.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.

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

• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.

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. MacLeod.

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. MacLeod's primary clinic, Baliski Christopher Dr, is located in the heart of Kelowna’s Central Kelowna, South Pandosy, and Downtown neighborhoods. The clinic is conveniently situated near Kelowna General Hospital, providing easy access for hospital-based procedures. Patients can reach the clinic via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit), with accessible parking options available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The environment fosters a professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented experience for consultations, surgical planning, and follow-up care. Parking is typically available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specifics may vary depending on the facility.

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

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

Does Dr. MacLeod perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. MacLeod 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. MacLeod whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. MacLeod?

You would typically be referred to Dr. MacLeod 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. MacLeod perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. MacLeod do?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. MacLeod ever specialize further?

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

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

Baliski Christopher Dr
2736 Abbott St
Kelowna, BC V1Y 1G4

Clinic Phone: (250) 717-7431

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

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

Verify Dr. MacLeod's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303888/MacLeod%2CMichael