About
Dr. Wesley John Stephen is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital and performing surgeries at Hamilton Health Sciences Hospital in Burlington, 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), ensuring that patient safety and quality care are paramount. His role involves diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. Dr. Stephen performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. The surgical 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 Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in Canada and has over 34 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1990. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in the field of surgery.
Dr. Stephen'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 optimize recovery times and outcomes. Dr. Stephen collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to offer comprehensive management of surgical conditions and remains committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. His dedication to patient care in Burlington ensures that each individual receives personalized and high-quality surgical treatment. He provides surgical consultations and care in English.
Dr. Wesley Stephen provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Stephen addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Surgical treatment for life-threatening complications of peptic ulcers, such as perforation leading to peritonitis.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Stephen addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Breast Cancer: Part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan including radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- 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. Wesley Stephen is necessary.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Often involves coordination with oncologists and plastic surgeons for comprehensive breast cancer care.
- 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.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
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. Stephen.
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. Stephen's primary clinic is located at The Ottawa Hospital in Burlington's Headon Forest, Palmer neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Hamilton Health Sciences Hospital, which is equipped with modern facilities to support a wide range of surgical interventions. The practice location is conveniently situated near Burlington Beach, accessible via Burlington Transit, with ample parking options including accessible parking. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, ensuring a smooth and reassuring experience for all patients seeking surgical care.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Stephen?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Stephen is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Stephen 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.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Stephen do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Stephen, 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. Stephen provides comprehensive surgical management.
- Does Dr. Stephen perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Stephen 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. Stephen would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Stephen?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Stephen doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Stephen 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. Stephen after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Stephen ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Stephen, 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.
The Ottawa Hospital
207-3155 Harvester Rd, Department of Anaesthesia
Burlington, ON L7N 3V2
Clinic Phone: (905) 631-2080
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Stephen 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. Stephen for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Stephen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Stephen-Wesley-John/0048853-62831