Dr. Stephanie Elaine Phillips – General Surgeon | St Catharines, ON

Dr. Stephanie Elaine Phillips is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Etobicoke General Hospital and performing surgeries at Niagara Health System Hospital in St. Catharines, ON, she is a respected member of the surgical community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. She performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. Her approach is rooted in providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Phillips graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in Canada. With over 15 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2009, she has developed a thorough understanding of a wide array of surgical procedures. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and certification reflect her commitment to surgical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Phillips emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making with her patients. She utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management of complex conditions. Dedicated to ongoing learning and surgical excellence, she provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English to patients in St. Catharines and surrounding communities.

Dr. Stephanie Phillips provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Phillips 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.
• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Management ranges from conservative treatment to elective or emergency colectomy.
• Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): May involve resection of the bleeding source or oversewing of ulcers.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Phillips addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): Surgical excision of malignant skin lesions with appropriate margins.
• Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

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

• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
• Thyroidectomy / Parathyroidectomy: Endocrine surgical procedures requiring careful dissection and nerve preservation.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Offering expert second opinions for patients considering general surgical interventions.
• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Includes breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), removal of the entire breast (mastectomy), and diagnostic biopsies.
• 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. Phillips.

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. Phillips's primary clinic is situated within a reputable medical clinic in St. Catharines' neighborhood, conveniently located near major healthcare facilities. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes and offers ample parking options, including accessible parking for patients. The facility is designed with patient comfort and privacy in mind, featuring wheelchair accessible entrances and consultation rooms. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Niagara Health System Hospital, which is equipped with modern surgical suites and recovery areas. Both the clinic and hospital facilities prioritize a professional and patient-oriented environment, ensuring comprehensive care from initial consultation through follow-up and surgical recovery.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Phillips do?

Dr. Phillips, 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. Phillips?

You would typically be referred to Dr. Phillips 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Phillips ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Phillips 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. Phillips 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Phillips perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Phillips 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. Phillips's areas of focus within general surgery.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Phillips doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Phillips to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Phillips after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

Etobicoke General Hospital
300 Fourth Ave, Unit 201
St Catharines, ON L2S 0E6

Clinic Phone: (289) 606-1333 | Clinic Fax: (289) 606-1331

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

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

Verify Dr. Phillips's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Phillips-Stephanie-Elaine/0210314-81270