Dr. Simon Xiao Yi Sun is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at McMaster Children's Hospital and performing surgeries at Hopital Notre-Dame Hospital (Hearst) in Thunder Bay, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Sun 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 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 a Medical Degree from the University of Calgary (Canada) and has accumulated over five years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2019. Dr. Sun is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His professional training and certifications reflect his commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development, ensuring that patients benefit from the latest evidence-based practices.
Dr. Sun'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 with his patients. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to facilitate faster recovery and reduce surgical risks. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dedicated to ongoing learning and excellence, Dr. Sun strives to deliver compassionate surgical care to the Thunder Bay community. He provides consultations and surgical care in English, ensuring effective communication and understanding throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Simon Sun provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Sun addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Procedures may include bowel resection, strictureplasty, or colectomy with ostomy or pouch creation.
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Hardened deposits in the gallbladder (gallstones) that can cause pain, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages.
- Appendicitis: A common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in the right lower quadrant.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Sun addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Often part of a multimodal treatment approach with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail 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. Simon Sun is necessary.
- General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
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. Sun.
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. Sun’s primary clinic is located at McMaster Children's Hospital in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Magnus Theatre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit, with ample parking options nearby, including accessible parking. The practice environment is professional, welcoming, and dedicated to patient comfort and privacy, offering a dedicated space for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Hopital Notre-Dame Hospital (Hearst), equipped with modern facilities to ensure safe and effective surgical care. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient convenience. Patients can expect a caring and professional environment for their surgical needs and ongoing care.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Sun ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Sun, 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 general surgical skills.
- Does Dr. Sun perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Sun 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. Sun would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Sun?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Sun 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. Sun will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Sun?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Sun 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. Sun will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Sun perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Sun is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Sun's areas of focus within general surgery.
McMaster Children's Hospital
Department of Pediatrics, 306-984 Oliver Rd, Division of Pediatric Infectious Di
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7C7
Clinic Phone: (807) 345-4337
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Sun 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. Sun for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Sun's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sun-Simon-Xiao-Yi/0296035-103712