Dr. Neal Patrick Austin – General Surgeon | Calgary, AB

Dr. Neal Patrick Austin is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Calgary and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Calgary, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). He has a focused role in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Austin performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care from the initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach to achieve optimal outcomes.

He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2014 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. Dr. Austin has completed extensive post-graduate training and has obtained the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta, ensuring his expertise aligns with provincial and national standards.

Dr. Austin is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered philosophy. He emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives to deliver comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Austin provides surgical consultations and care in English to patients in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Dr. Neal Austin provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Austin addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Surgical resection of tumors in the colon or rectum, often the primary treatment for localized disease.
• 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. Neal Austin is necessary.

• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Sigmoidoscopy: Often used for screening for colorectal cancer or investigating symptoms related to the lower bowel.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.

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. Austin.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Austin's primary clinic is located in a dedicated surgical facility in Calgary's NW neighborhood, including areas such as Hillhurst, Westmount, and Sunnyside (Kensington). Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are easily accessible and equipped for a broad range of operative needs. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind. The practice offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care, with ample parking available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, including designated accessible spots. The location is conveniently accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT services, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Austin ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Austin, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Austin perform?

Dr. Austin, 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. Austin may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

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

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

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

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

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Austin 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 does a General Surgeon like Dr. Austin do?

Dr. Austin, 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.

1403 29 St NW, Foothills Medical Centre
Calgary, AB T2N 2T9

Clinic Phone: (403) 944-4266 | Clinic Fax: (403) 944-0989

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

Dr. Austin is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Austin for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Austin's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fdd7528e-9499-4763-bab4-62ef68603582&i=114