Description
About Dr. Nathalie Wong-Chong
Dr. Nathalie Wong-Chong is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and performing surgeries at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, 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. Her approach is characterized by skill, compassion, and a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-focused care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Wong-Chong graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). With over 8 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2016, she has developed a comprehensive surgical skill set. 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 certification underscores her dedication 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. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, she aims to minimize discomfort and promote rapid recovery. Dr. Wong-Chong collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing education and surgical innovation. Fluent in English and French, she is committed to serving a diverse patient population in Newmarket and beyond, ensuring all patients receive compassionate, personalized care.
Surgical Conditions Addressed by Dr. Nathalie Wong-Chong
Dr. Nathalie Wong-Chong provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Wong-Chong addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
- 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.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Wong-Chong addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Nathalie Wong-Chong is necessary.
Surgical Services Offered by Dr. Nathalie Wong-Chong
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- 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. Wong-Chong.
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.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Wong-Chong's primary clinic is located at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the vibrant Central Newmarket, Gorham-College Manor neighbourhood. Her practice is conveniently situated near Fairy Lake Park, accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, offering a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Southlake Regional Health Centre, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. 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, ensuring ease of access for all.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Surgery
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Wong-Chong ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Wong-Chong, 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Wong-Chong do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Wong-Chong, 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. Wong-Chong provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Wong-Chong?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Wong-Chong 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. Wong-Chong will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Does Dr. Wong-Chong perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Wong-Chong 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. Wong-Chong would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Wong-Chong perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Wong-Chong 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. Wong-Chong's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Wong-Chong?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Wong-Chong 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.
Clinic & Licensing Information
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Room C 753, 581 Davis Drive, Department of Emergency Medicine
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2P6
Clinic Phone: (905) 853-4448 | Clinic Fax: (905) 853-7411
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Wong-Chong 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. Wong-Chong for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Wong-Chong's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/WongChong-Nathalie/0273456-95674