Dr. Taylor James Smart – General Surgeon | Grande Prairie, AB

Dr. Taylor James Smart is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Grande Prairie and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Grande Prairie, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. He adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring safe and effective patient care. Dr. Smart 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. The practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, employing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Smart graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2014. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in general surgery and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. His qualifications include certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), affirming his competency and adherence to professional standards.

With a commitment to providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care, Dr. Smart emphasizes a patient-centered approach. He ensures clear communication and shared decision-making with his patients, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and remains dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Smart provides surgical consultations and care in English, dedicated to the health and well-being of patients in Grande Prairie.

Dr. Taylor Smart provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Smart addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.

• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, a medical emergency typically requiring surgical removal (appendectomy).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

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

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Surgical removal of cancerous nodules or the entire thyroid gland (thyroidectomy).
• Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.

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

• General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
• Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the appendix, typically for acute appendicitis.
• Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Surgical removal of a portion of the small or large intestine (colon).
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
• Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.

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. Smart.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Smart's primary clinic is located in a dedicated surgical facility in Grande Prairie, situated in the Central Grande Prairie, Mountview, Swanavon neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming, professional environment for consultations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern operating rooms and patient care facilities. The location is conveniently accessible from Downtown Grande Prairie, with options for public transportation via Grande Prairie Transit. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Patients can usually find convenient parking nearby, including accessible parking options. The environment emphasizes safety, confidentiality, and a patient-centered approach, ensuring a smooth experience from initial consultation through recovery.

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

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Smart 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. Smart will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

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

A surgical consultation with Dr. Smart doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Smart 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. Smart after weighing the potential risks and benefits.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Smart do?

Dr. Smart, 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.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Smart perform?

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

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Smart ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Smart, 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.

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

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Smart 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.

9909 102 St, 928
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2V4

Clinic Phone: (780) 539-4545 | Clinic Fax: (780) 532-6743

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

Dr. Smart is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Smart for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).

Verify Dr. Smart's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b172dcb7-fc51-471e-a981-adf5c8bd42c5&i=1355