About
Dr. Sydney Anne Hammond is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Salmon Arm and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Salmon Arm, BC, 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 British Columbia (CPSBC). 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 compassionate, patient-centered care, emphasizing safety, effective communication, and shared decision-making throughout the surgical process.
Dr. Hammond graduated with an MD from the University of Manitoba in 2015 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She maintains certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Her credentials support her ability to deliver safe and evidence-based surgical care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She values a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Hammond utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. She collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of her patients' health conditions. Dedicated to ongoing learning and excellence, she strives to offer the highest quality surgical services for residents of Salmon Arm. She provides surgical consultations and follow-up care in English, fostering a welcoming and professional environment for her patients.
Dr. Sydney Hammond provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Hammond addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Hammond addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Sydney Hammond is necessary.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Repair techniques include open surgery with or without mesh, and laparoscopic mesh repair.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and return to normal activities post-surgery.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
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. Hammond.
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. Hammond's primary clinic is located at a reputable surgical clinic in Salmon Arm, situated within a well-equipped medical facility in the Salmon Arm neighborhood. The clinic provides a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals in Salmon Arm, which are easily accessible via major roads and public transit routes. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. This setup ensures seamless access to high-quality surgical services in a convenient location, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and compassionate care for all patients.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Hammond?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Hammond 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.
- Does Dr. Hammond perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Hammond?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Hammond is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Hammond 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 General Surgeons like Dr. Hammond ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise she brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Hammond?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Hammond doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Hammond do?
- Dr. Hammond, 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.
103-571 6 St NE, McGuire Lake Specialist Centre
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1R6
Clinic Phone: (250) 803-8177
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Hammond 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. Hammond for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).
Verify Dr. Hammond's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/367959/Hammond%2CSydney