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About Me

GENERAL SURGEON

Dr. Johal grew up in the lower mainland and pursued all of his training at the University of British Columbia. He completed a Bachelor of Science with a major in Biochemistry, followed by a medical degree and residency training in General Surgery.

Throughout residency he completed a number of award winning research projects. He also received the prestigious Frank B. Thompson Memorial Award recognizing a graduating resident who best exemplified the qualities of an outstanding clinical general surgeon.

He has also maintained a strong interest in surgical education and enjoys teaching and working with medical students and residents. His clinical practice encompasses caring for a breadth of diseases including but not limited to abdominal wall hernias, colon cancer and acute intra-abdominal illnesses.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Johal enjoys traveling, wrenching on cars for track days, home improvement projects and spending time with his young family.

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Training:

University of British Columbia
General Surgery Post-graduate Training Program 2012-2017

University of British Columbia
Doctor of Medicine 2008-2012

University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) 2003-2007

Medical Licenses:

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada 2017

Professional Memberships:

Member, Doctors of British Columbia

Member, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia

Professional Experience:

Consultant General Surgeon
Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Surgery
Burnaby Hospital
Burnaby, BC
2017-Present

Consultant General Surgeon
Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Surgery
Mount Saint Joseph Hospital
Vancouver, BC
2018 – 2023

Our Services

General Surgery

General Surgery

Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal Hernia

Ventral Hernia

Ventral Hernia

Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical Hernia

Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Ano-Rectal Surgery

Ano-Rectal Surgery

Acute Care Surgery

Acute Care Surgery

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy

Faqs

What documents do I need to carry when I come for the first appointment? 2020-09-03T11:55:14+00:00

When you come for your first appointment you should bring along your valid provincial health card and a list of current medications taken. Typically, your referring physician will have forwarded all other relevant reports. If they have not and they are available to you, please bring all the medical records pertaining to your condition such as X-ray reports, CT, MRI scan reports, laboratory test results, and, if relevant, the report of any previous surgical procedures.

What conditions do general surgeons treat? 2020-09-03T11:56:11+00:00

General surgeons provide advanced, comprehensive surgical care, and can manage both routine and critically ill patients. Typically, a general surgeon takes care of a wide variety of patients with conditions such as a hernia, biliary disorders, bowel obstructions, stomach and colon cancer, and multiple injuries due to trauma. Sub-specialty general surgeons further treat sarcoma, pancreatic and biliary tract cancers,vascular disorders and malignancies in the head and neck region.

How long will my stay at the hospital be? 2017-12-10T17:54:40+00:00

Your stay at our hospital may vary as it depends on the kind of surgery performed, the type of anesthesia administered, and your specific needs. Most patients undergoing minor surgical procedures on an outpatient basis can return home within 1-3 hours after the surgery

What are the possible risks and complications of undergoing a surgery? 2020-09-03T11:56:57+00:00

Surgery is almost always associated with certain risks. That is why it is important to compare the benefits of the surgery against its risks. Dr. Johal will provide information about the possible complications such as bleeding and infection, and regarding the potential side effects that may occur after the procedure. The methods of pain management after the procedure will be discussed by Dr. Johal. If any of these complications arise, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Should I discontinue taking my medications prior to surgery? 2020-09-03T12:11:15+00:00

Dr. Johal will typically advise you what you need to do regarding your medications. You should also discuss this with your family physician.
You may need to discontinue certain medications that you take regularly, particularly anticoagulants (blood thinners). Dr. Johal will inform you about the medications to be stopped before a surgical procedure along with the time at which they should be stopped and when you can resume taking these following the surgery.

How is minimally invasive surgery beneficial? 2020-09-03T12:00:28+00:00

Minimally invasive surgery is beneficial because it reduces the post-operative discomfort and leaves a smaller scar. This is relevant to MOST operations but not all. Dr. Johal will discuss the best approach to your specific clinical situation.

Currently, minimally invasive procedures are most commonly chosen whenever surgical treatment is advised. The reason being, that this procedure offers several benefits to the patients. These include:

  • Significant reduction in post-operative pain
  • Lesser blood loss
  • Lesser scarring
  • Shorter recovery period
  • Faster return to normal routine
  • Better clinical outcome
What can I expect at my first visit? 2020-09-03T12:01:12+00:00

On your first visit, you can expect to go through a physical examination, to talk to Dr. Johal about your medical history, and to perform the tests that Dr. Johal thinks are necessary. Dr. Johal will then make recommendations of whether surgery or further diagnostics are required.

Contact Us

Burnaby Office Address

707 – 6378 Silver Avenue Burnaby BC V5H 0J2
Metered parking is available on both Beresford Street and Silver Avenue. Free parking is also available on surrounding streets. Underground paid parking is available. Please park in any stall marked “hourly” and pay at the meters/app accordingly.

Contact Details

Phone: (604) 423-3620
Fax: (604) 423-3621
Email: info@drjohal.com

Consulting Hours

  • Monday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Important Office Information

    • The location of your appointment is based on appointment type. Please review your appointment notices carefully.
    • Mask mandates are ever changing, please kindly follow current provincial guidelines.
    • Please review the patients handouts page for detailed information on your upcoming procedure/surgery.

    Thank you, we look forward to meeting you and participating in your healthcare.