About
Dr. William Adam Schofield is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in Red Deer and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Red Deer, AB, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). He 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, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Schofield graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Calgary in 2013. He has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice as a General Surgeon in Alberta. His certifications include a specialty certification in General Surgery, ensuring he maintains the highest standards of surgical competence and patient safety.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care with a patient-centered approach. Dr. Schofield emphasizes clear communication and shared decision-making, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote faster recovery. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. He provides surgical consultations and care primarily in English, dedicated to serving the community of Red Deer with compassion and expertise.
Dr. William Schofield provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Schofield addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (belly button), and incisional (at the site of a previous surgery).
- Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits; severe cases may require surgery.
- Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Schofield 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.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Complex surgical procedures like the Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumors in the head of the pancreas.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Aim is to achieve wide, clear surgical margins to prevent local recurrence.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. William Schofield is necessary.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): Performed for conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), or bowel obstruction.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedure to alleviate symptoms related to gallbladder disease.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- General Surgical Consultation: Expert opinion on the need for surgery and discussion of surgical options, risks, and benefits.
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. Schofield.
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. Schofield practices primarily at a surgical clinic located in the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood of Red Deer. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Major East-West Arterial and is accessible via Red Deer Transit. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals equipped for a wide range of surgical interventions. 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. The environment fosters a professional, welcoming, and patient-oriented atmosphere for consultations and follow-up surgical care.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Schofield perform?
- As a General Surgeon, Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield's areas of focus within general surgery.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Schofield?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- Many General Surgeons like Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield whether this approach is suitable for your specific condition.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Schofield?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Schofield do?
- Dr. Schofield, 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Schofield ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Schofield?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
301-4132 50 Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 3Z2
Clinic Phone: (403) 347-9037 | Clinic Fax: (403) 347-9038
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Schofield 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. Schofield for services covered by the provincial health plan (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)).
Verify Dr. Schofield's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=fe24ef49-24a0-4740-a2d2-aa98374470c0&i=1292