Dr. Rebecca Ann Craufurd Auer – General Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Rebecca Ann Craufurd Auer is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Ottawa and performing surgeries at Ottawa Hospital in Ottawa, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Dr. Auer adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and effective patient care. 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. Auer graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in Canada. With over 19 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2005, she has accumulated extensive clinical expertise. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which affirms her qualifications and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical practice.

Her professional philosophy centers on delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Auer values a patient-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication and shared decision-making. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and minimizes surgical risks. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, she ensures comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. Dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, Dr. Auer also communicates effectively in French, in addition to English, to serve Ottawa's diverse patient population.

Dr. Rebecca Auer provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
• 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. Auer addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.

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

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• 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.

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. Auer.

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. Auer's primary clinic is located at a dedicated surgical clinic in Ottawa, situated in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods. The clinic provides a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Ottawa Hospital, which is easily accessible and equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic is conveniently accessible via OC Transpo services, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes, with proximity to the National Gallery of Canada, making it easy for patients to reach for appointments and follow-up visits.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Auer 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Auer?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Auer is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Auer will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.

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

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Auer ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Auer, 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 surgical skills.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Auer perform?

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Auer do?

Dr. Auer, 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. Auer?

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

501 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6

Clinic Phone: (613) 737-8899 | Clinic Fax: (613) 737-8659

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

Dr. Auer 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. Auer for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Auer's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Auer-Rebecca-Ann-Craufurd/0169037-74952