Dr. Robert John Humphrey – General Surgeon | Woodstock, ON

Dr. Robert John Humphrey is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at McMaster University and performing surgeries at Woodstock Hospital in Woodstock, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Humphrey's role involves 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. His 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.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (Canada). With over 14 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2010, Dr. Humphrey brings extensive expertise to his patients. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice meets rigorous professional standards.

Dr. Humphrey is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. His professional philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recoveries. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and maintaining a dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence are core to his practice. Dr. Humphrey aims to deliver exemplary surgical care for patients in Woodstock, providing consultations and surgical management in English to ensure effective communication and understanding.

Dr. Robert Humphrey provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Humphrey addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the 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.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Humphrey addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
• Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.

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

• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

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. Humphrey.

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. Humphrey practices primarily at a medical clinic in Woodstock, located within the McMaster University medical facility. His clinic is conveniently situated in Woodstock's neighborhood, close to major healthcare facilities, easily accessible via local public transit routes. Patients can expect a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations, follow-up care, and surgical planning. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Woodstock Hospital, which is equipped with modern operating rooms and post-operative care units. Parking is generally available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patients and visitors seeking comprehensive surgical care in Woodstock, ON.

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

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

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Humphrey do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Humphrey, 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. Humphrey provides comprehensive surgical management.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Humphrey 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Humphrey?

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

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

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

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Humphrey perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Humphrey ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Humphrey 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. Humphrey 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.

McMaster University
748 Dundas Street, Health Sciences Centre 2V9 Department of Anesthesia
Woodstock, ON N4S 1E9

Clinic Phone: (519) 539-6622 | Clinic Fax: (519) 539-7954

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

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

Verify Dr. Humphrey's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Humphrey-Robert-John/0219948-82446