Dr. Samer Elkassem is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Samer Elkassem Clinic Medicine Hat and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Medicine Hat, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). 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. His approach is patient-centered, focusing on delivering safe, effective, and personalized surgical care. The 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.
Dr. Elkassem graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2003. He holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon and maintains key certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in General Surgery. These credentials reflect his dedication to professional excellence and ongoing education in his field.
His professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He prioritizes a patient-centered approach by ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Elkassem is committed to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce postoperative discomfort. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of his patients' health conditions. Additionally, he is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Fluent in both English and Arabic, he effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in Medicine Hat, ensuring understanding and comfort throughout the surgical journey.
Dr. Samer Elkassem provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Elkassem addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Emergency surgery to repair perforated ulcers or control massive bleeding.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Elkassem addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Procedures may include colectomy, rectal resection, and lymph node dissection.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Samer Elkassem is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
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. Elkassem.
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. Elkassem’s primary practice is located at the Samer Elkassem Clinic in Medicine Hat, situated in the NE Crescent Heights neighborhood, close to Ranchlands. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped to handle a variety of surgical interventions. The clinic is conveniently accessible from Tourism Medicine Hat Visitor Centre and is well-served by Medicine Hat Transit. The facilities at both the clinic and hospitals are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Patients can expect a professional, welcoming environment for consultations and follow-up care. Parking is usually available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking options. Specific details may vary depending on the facility, but overall, the practice emphasizes accessibility and patient-centered care.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Elkassem?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Elkassem 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.
- Does Dr. Elkassem perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Elkassem 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. Elkassem whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Elkassem?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Elkassem 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. Elkassem 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. Elkassem ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Elkassem, 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 surgical skills.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Elkassem do?
- Dr. Elkassem, 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.
Samer Elkassem Clinic Medicine Hat
114-116 Carry Dr SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3Z8
Clinic Phone: (403) 487-5900 | Clinic Fax: (403) 487-5901
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Elkassem 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. Elkassem for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Elkassem's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9cdd617b-2922-4604-b642-750ce166228f&i=428