Dr. Ross Baxter Willis Jr – Orthopedic Surgeon | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Ross Baxter Willis Jr is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at St. Michael's Hospital in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Willis is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Willis is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in ON.

Dr. Willis serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care as a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life through both surgical and non-surgical means.

Dr. Ross Baxter Willis Jr earned a Medical Degree from Schulich School Of Medicine And Dentistry, graduating in 1971. Subsequently, Dr. Willis completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Willis brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Willis's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Willis is committed to ongoing professional development and staying at the forefront of orthopedic advancements to offer the best possible care to patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Willis's surgical practice philosophy include: a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Willis provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ross Baxter Willis Jr diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, which may be surgical or non-surgical, are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Willis, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Willis. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any procedure or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation.

All surgical and non-surgical treatments by Dr. Ross Baxter Willis Jr adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At St. Michael's Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Willis frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Willis's comprehensive care for chronic low back pain that shoots down their leg is meticulously designed to result in improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life without musculoskeletal worries.
• Are you struggling with a growth or lump on one of their bones or in their muscles? Dr. Willis partners with patients to target successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively a much more achievable reality.
• Effectively addressing arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things with Dr. Willis's comprehensive orthopedic approach often leads to the desired outcome of alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking and social interactions.

Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Willis, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Willis is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Willis practices at St. Michael's Hospital, located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, Billings Bridge neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near CF Rideau Centre and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Willis recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (like the hip, knee, or shoulder) are removed and replaced with artificial components (prostheses) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Dr. Willis might recommend joint replacement if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function, typically due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments (like medication, injections, physiotherapy) are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Willis do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Willis is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They manage a wide range of conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. While they are surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical methods (like joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (like medication, injections, bracing, or recommending physiotherapy) to treat patients. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Willis?

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery performed (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement vs. fracture fixation), the specific joint or bone involved, the patient's age and overall health, and their adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may have a recovery of a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months for full recovery and return to all activities. Dr. Willis will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

How does Dr. Willis treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Willis are experts in treating all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and the patient's overall health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and then immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace to allow it to heal. Surgical treatment might be necessary for more complex fractures, open fractures (where the bone breaks the skin), or fractures that are unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, rods, or pins to hold the bone pieces together) or external fixation (using a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Willis will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Willis?

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist (e.g., sports medicine physician, rheumatologist) is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Willis for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Willis has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Willis covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Willis are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging ordered is also usually covered. However, some specific items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. It's always best for patients to inquire with St. Michael's Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at St. Michael's Hospital for Dr. Willis?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 72 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Willis. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 72 hours' notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee. We appreciate your cooperation.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Willis at St. Michael's Hospital?

The first visit will typically involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's medical history, the specific problem (e.g., pain, injury, loss of function), how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities and quality of life. Dr. Willis will review any previous treatments and will perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area(s), assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Willis will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with the patient to establish goals.

St. Michael's Hospital
401 Smyth Road, DCFM
Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1

Phone: (613) 737-7600

Dr. Ross Baxter Willis Jr is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 29729

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Willis-Jr-Ross-Baxter/0024907-29729

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Willis. Dr. Willis and the team are dedicated to providing expert orthopedic care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.