About
Dr. Riordan Mary Azam is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Toronto, 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), 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. Dr. Azam’s 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.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the National University of Ireland (Ireland) and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2024. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.
Dr. Azam believes in providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Her approach emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. She is committed to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive patient management, and she maintains a dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. She provides surgical consultations and care in English for patients in Toronto, ensuring a compassionate and patient-centered experience at every stage of treatment.
Dr. Riordan Azam provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Azam 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): Can be caused by adhesions, hernias, tumors, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Azam addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Reconstructive techniques may be used for larger excisions.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Riordan Azam is necessary.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Monitoring recovery after surgical procedures, managing potential complications.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
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. Azam.
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. Azam’s primary clinic is located at The Ottawa Hospital in Toronto’s vibrant Bay Street Corridor, also known as the Discovery District. The clinic offers a professional and welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals within the Toronto area, which are equipped with modern facilities and staffed by experienced surgical teams. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Located close to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and highly accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus), the location is ideal for patients seeking expert surgical care in Toronto. The environment prioritizes patient safety, privacy, and convenience, ensuring a seamless experience from initial consultation to post-operative follow-up.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Azam do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Azam, 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. Azam provides comprehensive surgical management.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Azam?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Azam is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Azam 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Azam?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Azam doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Azam 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. Azam after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Does Dr. Azam perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Azam 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. Azam would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Azam ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Azam, 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.
The Ottawa Hospital
500 University Avenue, Department Of Diagnostic Radiology
Toronto, ON M5G 1V7
Clinic Phone: (647) 338-2409
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Azam 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. Azam for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Azam's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Azam-Riordan-Mary/0328348-119070