About
Dr. Ryan James Fielding is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Chatham-Kent health alliance located in a medical clinic in St. Catharines' neighborhood, he is committed to delivering high-quality surgical care within a professional and patient-centered environment. His surgical procedures are typically performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, a well-equipped facility in St. Catharines. The clinic and hospital are situated near major healthcare facilities, easily accessible via local public transit routes. The facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a professional environment for consultations and post-operative follow-up. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots to accommodate all patients. Dr. Fielding's practice emphasizes a collaborative approach to healthcare, focusing on personalized treatment plans and thorough patient education to foster understanding and comfort throughout the surgical journey.
He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and holds license number 100914. Dr. Fielding completed his medical degree at the University of Toronto in Canada and has accumulated over six years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2018. His medical training and ongoing professional development ensure adherence to the highest standards of surgical practice and patient safety.
Dr. Fielding is dedicated to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a strong patient-centered philosophy. He prioritizes clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to enhance recovery. His approach involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management, always striving for surgical excellence. He provides consultations and surgical care primarily in English, with a commitment to ongoing learning and surgical innovation to serve the community of St. Catharines and surrounding regions.

Dr. Ryan Fielding provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Fielding addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.
- 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. Fielding addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Ryan Fielding is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
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. Fielding.
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. Ryan James Fielding practices at the Chatham-Kent health alliance, situated within a well-equipped medical clinic in the vibrant neighborhood of St. Catharines. The clinic is conveniently located near major healthcare facilities and is easily accessible via local public transit routes. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, which offers state-of-the-art surgical suites and post-operative care units. Parking is generally available at or near both the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots to accommodate all patients. The practice provides a professional, welcoming environment for consultations, surgical planning, and follow-up care, emphasizing personalized treatment plans and patient education to ensure a smooth surgical experience.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Fielding?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Fielding doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Fielding 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. Fielding after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Fielding perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Fielding 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. Fielding's areas of focus within general surgery.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Fielding do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Fielding, 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. Fielding provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Fielding perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Fielding 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. Fielding would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Fielding?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Fielding is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Fielding 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. Fielding?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Fielding 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Fielding ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Fielding 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. Fielding 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.
Chatham-Kent health alliance
300 Fourth Avenue Suite 201, Department of Medical Imaging
St Catharines, ON L2S 0E6
Clinic Phone: (289) 606-1333 | Clinic Fax: (289) 606-1331
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Fielding 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. Fielding for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Fielding's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Fielding-Ryan-James/0288576-100914