Dr. William Alexander Harris is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Southlake Regional Health Centre and performing surgeries at affiliated local hospitals in Thunder Bay, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Harris 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 surgical practice is committed to a professional, compassionate approach, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He is recognized for his comprehensive medical education, having graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada). With over 22 years of experience as a General Surgeon, he has been practicing since 2002. Dr. Harris is a designated RCPSC Specialist, recognized by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his advanced training and expertise in general surgery.
Dr. Harris’s professional philosophy emphasizes providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He is committed to maintaining 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. He collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence. Dr. Harris offers surgical consultations and care in English, with a focus on delivering compassionate and high-quality surgical services to the Thunder Bay community.
Dr. William Harris provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Harris 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): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Harris addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Often managed in collaboration with sarcoma specialists and oncologists.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Surgical resection (hepatectomy) of primary liver cancers (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) or isolated liver metastases from other cancers (e.g., colorectal).
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 Harris is necessary.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
- Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Procedures to alleviate pain and prevent complications associated with hernias.
- Bowel Resection / Colectomy (for benign or malignant conditions): May involve open or laparoscopic approaches, with potential for anastomosis (reconnection) or ostomy creation.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Emergency or elective procedure to treat an inflamed or infected appendix.
- Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Frequently performed laparoscopically for faster recovery.
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. Harris.
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. Harris’s primary clinic is located at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Thunder Bay's Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood. Surgical procedures are typically performed at affiliated local hospitals. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. The practice offers a professional and patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Convenient parking options are usually available nearby, including accessible parking, with easy access via Thunder Bay Transit. The proximity to Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) facilitates easy travel for out-of-town patients. The entire facility is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and efficient environment for all patients.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Harris do?
- Dr. Harris, 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 I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Harris?
- Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Harris 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. Harris will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Harris?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Harris 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.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Harris ever specialize further?
- Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Harris, 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 types of surgical procedures does Dr. Harris perform?
- Dr. Harris, 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. Harris may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Harris?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Harris 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. Harris will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
Southlake Regional Health Centre
984 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7C7
Clinic Phone: (807) 346-1440 | Clinic Fax: (807) 346-1445
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Harris 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. Harris for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Harris's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Harris-William-Alexander/0139717-71388