About
Dr. Ryan John McColl is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at McColl Ryan Dr and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Red Deer, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery. Dr. McColl adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective surgical interventions. He has expertise in 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 surgical practice is committed to a collaborative approach, utilizing modern surgical techniques in a compassionate environment that prioritizes patient comfort and privacy.
He holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Alberta, graduating in 2006. Dr. McColl has earned specialty certification as a General Surgeon, along with key credentials including Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These certifications reflect his dedication to maintaining high professional standards and staying current with advancements in surgical care.
Dr. McColl’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients. Whenever appropriate, he utilizes minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery times and improve surgical outcomes. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives to deliver comprehensive management tailored to each patient's needs. His dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence ensures that patients in Red Deer receive the highest standard of care. Dr. McColl provides surgical consultations and care in English, fostering a supportive and informative environment for his patients.

Dr. Ryan McColl provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. McColl addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. McColl addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Breast Cancer: Often involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection to assess cancer spread.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
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 McColl is necessary.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
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. McColl.
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. McColl's primary clinic is located at McColl Ryan Dr, situated in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood of Red Deer, AB. The clinic offers a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped with modern facilities. The practice is conveniently accessible, with parking options usually available near the clinic, including accessible parking. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to ensure patient comfort and privacy. Its proximity to Clearview Market Square and accessibility via Red Deer Transit make it a convenient choice for patients seeking expert surgical care in a patient-centric setting.
- Does Dr. McColl perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. McColl are trained in and regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique involves making several small incisions instead of one large one, using a camera and specialized instruments to perform the operation. Laparoscopic approaches are common for procedures like gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and hernia repair, often resulting in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activities. You should discuss with Dr. McColl whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. McColl do?
- Dr. McColl, 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. McColl?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. McColl is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. McColl will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. McColl ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. McColl 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. McColl 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 is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. McColl?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. McColl 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. McColl will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. McColl perform?
- Dr. McColl, 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. McColl may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. McColl?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. McColl 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.
McColl Ryan Dr
301-4132 50 Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 3Z2
Clinic Phone: (403) 347-9037 | Clinic Fax: (403) 347-9038
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. McColl 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. McColl for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. McColl's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ef28d97c-b052-40d6-b2b4-a7f073dcc009&i=953