Dr. Scott Andrew Ainslie is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Vernon, he performs surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Vernon, BC. He is a respected member of the surgical community and adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). His role is focused on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Ainslie 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 an MD from the University of Calgary in 2003 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. His certifications include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, attesting to his expertise and commitment to surgical excellence. Dr. Ainslie maintains a focus on ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving surgical practices and technologies, ensuring his patients receive the best evidence-based care available.
Dr. Ainslie's professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recoveries and reduce discomfort. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, he strives for comprehensive patient management. Additionally, Dr. Ainslie communicates effectively in both English and French, allowing him to serve a diverse patient population. His dedication to surgical excellence in Vernon underscores his commitment to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Scott Ainslie provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Ainslie addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Ainslie addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).
- 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. Scott Ainslie is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- General Surgical Consultation: Evaluation of patients referred for consideration of general surgical procedures.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
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. Ainslie.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Ainslie practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in Vernon’s Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Vernon, BC. The clinic is conveniently accessible via the Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit), and the facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. The environment is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to providing high-quality care for consultations and follow-up surgical management. Parking is usually available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots available as needed. Specific details may vary depending on the facility.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Ainslie perform?
- Dr. Ainslie, 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. Ainslie may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Ainslie perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Ainslie 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. Ainslie whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Ainslie ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Ainslie 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. Ainslie 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. Ainslie?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Ainslie 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. Ainslie will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Ainslie?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Ainslie 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.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Ainslie?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Ainslie 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. Ainslie will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Ainslie do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Ainslie, 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. Ainslie provides comprehensive surgical management.
3107 35th Ave
Vernon, BC V1T 2T2
Clinic Phone: (250) 545-6443
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Ainslie is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Ainslie for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Ainslie's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/327379/Ainslie%2CScott