Dr. Michelle Elisa Goecke – General Surgeon | New Westminster, BC

Dr. Michelle Elisa Goecke is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in New Westminster and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in New Westminster, BC, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards 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. 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. Goecke graduated with an MD from Queen's University in 2002. She holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest surgical advancements and best practices, committed to surgical excellence and patient safety.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Goecke utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and minimal scarring. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development to uphold the highest standards of surgical care for her patients in New Westminster. She provides surgical consultations and care in English, ensuring accessible communication for her diverse patient community.

Dr. Michelle Goecke provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing IBD.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Goecke addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
• 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. Michelle Goecke is necessary.

• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.

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. Goecke.

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. Goecke practices at a surgical clinic situated in the vibrant Uptown neighborhood of New Westminster. The clinic is conveniently located near River Market, accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo Line, Bus), and offers a professional, patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, making access easy and convenient for all patients.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Goecke do?

Dr. Goecke, 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.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Goecke ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Goecke 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. Goecke has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Goecke 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.

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Goecke perform?

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

403-223 Nelson's Cres
New Westminster, BC V3L 0E4

Clinic Phone: (604) 522-7737 | Clinic Fax: (604) 522-1571

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

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

Verify Dr. Goecke's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/329931/Goecke%2CMichelle