Dr. Tiffany Chan – General Surgeon | Campbell River, BC

Dr. Tiffany Chan is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Campbell River and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Campbell River, 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 high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Chan graduated with an MD from McMaster University in 2011 and holds specialty certification as a General Surgeon. She also holds certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring her adherence to rigorous professional standards and ongoing surgical excellence.

Her professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Dr. Chan utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development to maintain surgical excellence. Dedicated to serving the Campbell River community, she offers surgical consultations and care primarily in English, with a focus on compassionate and skilled service.

Dr. Tiffany Chan provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Chan 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): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Chan 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.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Surgical excision of malignant tumors arising from soft tissues (muscle, fat, connective tissue).

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

• General Surgical Consultation: Comprehensive assessment and consultation for a wide range of surgical conditions.
• Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Reviewing existing diagnoses and proposed surgical treatments to provide additional perspective.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a flexible camera.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
• Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.

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. Chan.

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. Tiffany Chan's primary practice is situated at a dedicated surgical clinic in Campbell River, located in the vibrant Downtown Campbell River, North Campbell River neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently close to the North Island College Campbell River Campus and accessible via the Campbell River Transit System (BC Transit). Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals, which are equipped with modern facilities. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Parking is usually available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. Specific access details may vary depending on the facility, but all are committed to ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for patients.

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

You would typically be referred to Dr. Chan 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Chan?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan 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. Chan will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Chan ever specialize further?

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

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

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

Does Dr. Chan perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

Many General Surgeons like Dr. Chan are trained in and regularly perform laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery. This technique involves making several small incisions instead of one large one, using a camera and specialized instruments to perform the operation. Laparoscopic approaches are common for procedures like gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and hernia repair, often resulting in less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and a faster return to normal activities. You should discuss with Dr. Chan whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Chan do?

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

101-250 Dogwood St
Campbell River, BC V9W 2X9

Clinic Phone: (250) 850-1104

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

Dr. Chan 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. Chan for services covered by the provincial health plan (Medical Services Plan (MSP)).

Verify Dr. Chan's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337801/Chan%2CTiffany