Dr. Shima Kassirian – General Surgeon | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Shima Kassirian is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the St. Michael's Hospital ENT Clinic located in Richmond Hill's Oak Ridges and Lake Wilcox neighborhood, she provides expert surgical care in a convenient and accessible environment. Her surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, ensuring high standards of safety and quality. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, offering a professional setting for consultations, surgical planning, and follow-up care. Patients can expect a welcoming atmosphere dedicated to their well-being, with easy access to parking and public transportation options, including proximity to Hillcrest Mall and accessibility via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva.

Dr. Kassirian graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada), and she has over 17 years of experience practicing as a General Surgeon since 2007. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 77942. Her extensive training and certification underpin her commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care to her patients.

Her professional philosophy centers on delivering patient-centered care with a focus on safety, clear communication, and shared decision-making. Dr. Kassirian utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and reduce surgical risks. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of each patient's condition. Dedicated to surgical excellence and continuous professional development, she strives to stay at the forefront of surgical advancements. Additionally, she communicates effectively in Persian, alongside English, to serve the diverse community of Richmond Hill with compassion and understanding.

Dr. Shima Kassirian provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Kassirian addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
• Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Kassirian addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: May involve partial or total removal of the stomach and regional lymph nodes.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Shima Kassirian is necessary.

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.

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. Kassirian.

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. Kassirian primarily practices at the St. Michael's Hospital ENT Clinic in Richmond Hill's Oak Ridges, Lake Wilcox neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Hillcrest Mall, with accessible public transportation options via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Sinai Health System Hospital, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centered environment. The clinic and hospital are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Ample parking, including accessible options, is usually available near the practice, ensuring easy access for all patients. The practice provides a professional, welcoming environment dedicated to high-quality surgical care, consultation, and follow-up services.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Kassirian?

The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Kassirian is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Kassirian 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.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Kassirian?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Kassirian 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. Kassirian 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. Kassirian do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Kassirian, 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. Kassirian provides comprehensive surgical management.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Kassirian?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Kassirian 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Kassirian perform?

Dr. Kassirian, 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. Kassirian may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Kassirian ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Kassirian 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. Kassirian has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

St. Michael's Hospital ENT Clinic
8 Cardinal Carter North, 13291 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4E 4L6

Clinic Phone: (905) 773-1599 | Clinic Fax: (905) 773-3515

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Kassirian 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. Kassirian for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Kassirian's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kassirian-Shima/0191153-77942