About
Dr. Shawn Samuel Forbes is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Hamilton and performing surgeries at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, 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 Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Forbes has extensive 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 dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, guiding patients from initial consultation through post-operative recovery with a modern, collaborative, and compassionate approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada and has been practicing as a General Surgeon since 2007, accumulating over 17 years of experience. Dr. Forbes is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing medical education.
Dr. Forbes is committed to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to optimize recovery and reduce surgical morbidity. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient management and maintains a dedication to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Forbes provides surgical consultations and care exclusively in English, serving the Hamilton community with a focus on personalized, high-quality surgical services.
Dr. Shawn Forbes provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Forbes addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Forbes addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer): Minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) approaches are increasingly used.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Shawn Forbes is necessary.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
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. Forbes.
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. Forbes's primary practice is located at a well-equipped surgical clinic in Hamilton's Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations, initial assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Hamilton Health Sciences Centre McMaster Children's Hospital, which is conveniently accessible from the clinic. The hospital and clinic facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The area is close to the James Street North Art District, with easy access via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic, with designated accessible spots for patients with mobility needs. The practice is committed to providing high-quality, personalized care in a welcoming and accessible environment to meet the needs of the Hamilton community.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Forbes ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Forbes 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. Forbes 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Forbes perform?
- Dr. Forbes, 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. Forbes may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Forbes do?
- Dr. Forbes, 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.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Forbes?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Forbes 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.
- Does Dr. Forbes perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Forbes 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. Forbes would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Forbes?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Forbes 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. Forbes will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
17th floor, 711 Concession Street
Hamilton, ON L8V 1C3
Clinic Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Clinic Fax: (905) 528-9388
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Forbes 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. Forbes for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Forbes's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Forbes-Shawn-Samuel/0191306-77588