About
Dr. Nancy King Down is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Office of the Chief Coroner and performing surgeries at North York General Hospital in North York, ON, 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 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. 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. Down graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada. With over 38 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1986, she brings a wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise to her patients. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing professional development.
Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Down is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management. Her dedication to surgical excellence and compassionate care makes her a trusted provider for residents of North York seeking high-quality surgical services. She provides consultations and surgical care in English, with a focus on personalized treatment and optimal outcomes.
Dr. Nancy Down provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Down addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Down addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Nancy Down is necessary.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
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. Down.
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. Down's primary practice is located within a well-equipped medical clinic in North York, offering a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up care. The clinic is situated in close proximity to major healthcare facilities, including North York General Hospital, ensuring seamless coordination of surgical treatment and post-operative management. The location is easily accessible via local public transit routes, with available parking options nearby, including accessible parking for patients with mobility needs. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a safe and convenient setting for surgical consultations and outpatient procedures. Patients can expect a dedicated team focused on personalized care, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience from initial assessment through recovery.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Down?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Down 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. Down will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Down ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Down 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. Down 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.
- Does Dr. Down perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Down 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. Down would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Down?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Down 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.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Down perform?
- Dr. Down, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Down may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
Office of the Chief Coroner
1333 Sheppard Avenue East
North York, ON M2J 1V1
Clinic Phone: (416) 491-0345 | Clinic Fax: (416) 491-7557
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Down 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. Down for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Down's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Down-Nancy-King/0027733-32556