Dr. Richard Andrew Beekman – General Surgeon | Grande Prairie, AB

Dr. Richard Andrew Beekman is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Richard Beekman Clinic Grande Prairie and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Grande Prairie, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that each patient receives safe, effective, and personalized care. His practice focuses on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Beekman graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in 2001. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains active certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These credentials reflect his ongoing commitment to professional excellence and adherence to the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety.

His professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Beekman is committed to clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and reduce surgical impact. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to continuous professional development to uphold surgical excellence for the residents of Grande Prairie. He offers surgical consultations and ongoing patient care in English, prioritizing compassionate, respectful, and informed treatment at all stages of the surgical journey.

Dr. Richard Beekman provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

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

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Beekman addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Part of a comprehensive cancer management strategy.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.

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

• 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.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• 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.

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. Beekman.

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. Beekman's primary clinic, Richard Beekman Clinic Grande Prairie, is conveniently situated in the Central Grande Prairie, Mountview, Swanavon neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations, pre- and post-operative care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped to handle a wide range of surgical interventions. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients appreciate the proximity to major amenities such as Costco, and the accessibility provided by Grande Prairie Transit. Ample parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking for those with mobility needs. The environment emphasizes convenience, safety, and a patient-centered approach for all surgical care needs.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Beekman ever specialize further?

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Beekman perform?

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

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

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Beekman is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Beekman 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.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Beekman 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. Beekman do?

Dr. Beekman, 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.

Richard Beekman Clinic Grande Prairie
928-9909 102 St, 928
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V4

Clinic Phone: (780) 539-4545 | Clinic Fax: (780) 532-6743

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

Dr. Beekman 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. Beekman for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Beekman's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=7dfbbad0-2c78-4d63-ab82-fc5de434fc12&i=154