About The North York Colorectal Group

Peter Stotland

Dr. Peter Stotland, chief of surgery at North York General Hospital,  is fellowship-trained Surgical Oncologist who completed residency in general surgery at the University of Toronto, and is the recipient of many local and national teaching awards.

After a combined fellowship in general surgical oncology and minimally invasive surgery at the University of Toronto, he began a clinical staff appointment Sunnybrook Hospital. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Surgery and Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto.

His clinical practice is focused on the treatment of the gastrointestinal malignancies (tumours) and implementation of minimally invasive techniques. He has been at the forefront of using new surgical techniques such as TAMIS and TaTME. North York General Hospital (NYGH) is one of only a few hospitals in Canada that offers transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for colorectal cancer. TAMIS is a procedure that removes tumours in the rectum faster than traditional procedures, causing less pain and a shorter recovery time.

Usmaan Hameed

Dr. Usmaan Hameed is a Surgical Oncologist who specializes in advanced minimally invasive techniques in treating gastrointestinal cancers.

After completing medical school at the University of British Columbia and a residency in General Surgery at the University of Toronto, he went on to pursue two years of additional specialization in Surgical Oncology at the University of Toronto, focusing in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery.

During his residency, he was awarded several residency teaching awards including the Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) resident teaching award and University of Toronto award for resident mentorship. He was Chief Fellow during his fellowship in Surgical Oncology, and is the only General Surgeon to ever be awarded the prestigious Zane Cohen Fellowship Award from the University of Toronto.

Dr. Hameed is one of only a handful of North American surgeons trained in transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), novel surgical techniques that allows for removal of rectal tumours without the use of a major incision, and in some patients, reducing the chance that they will require a permanent colostomy. He is co-director of the Canadian TaTME Proctorship Network, which invites colorectal surgeons from across Canada to train in this innovative technique. His research interest focuses on surgical innovation, enhancing patient and resident education using 3D rectal cancer models, as well as exploring novel uses for image-guided surgical navigation in rectal cancer with the goal of reducing surgical morbidity.

Daniel Abramowitz

Dr. Daniel Abramowitz is a colon and rectal surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive techniques for colon and rectal cancers, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis.

After completing medical school at Queen’s University, Dr. Abramowitz completed a general surgery residency and a colorectal fellowship at the University of Toronto.  He previously practiced at Scarborough Health Network providing complex care for both cancerous and benign diseases of the colon, rectum and anus.

While he focuses on surgical management, he is most interested in a multidisciplinary approach to rectal cancer, and when feasible, offer patients non-operative management and organ preservation to limit the functional changes associated with rectal cancer surgery.

Stan Feinberg

Dr. Stan Feinberg is a trained Colon and Rectal Surgeon. After completing a surgical residency at University of Toronto, he did Fellowships in Colon and Rectal Surgery in both Toronto and at the Cleveland Clinic. He has been heavily involved in resident education and has served as an Examiner for the Royal College for both General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery.

His areas of clinical interest and expertise include sphincter preserving operations, inflammatory bowel disease and colon and rectal cancer. Dr. Feinberg feels fortunate to be part of the team which puts patients first in the care of gastrointestinal disease.

Amy Jia Su - Patient Navigator

Amy is a Patient Navigator and a Clinical Nurse Specialist, holding a Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing. Amy is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. She is skilled at addressing the unique needs of patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Colorectal cancer patient navigator

Navigating the complex health care system is not easy. At North York General Hospital we want each patient to receive and understand the information needed to make good decisions about their health care. We encourage patients to ask questions and be engaged in their care. We believe that health care should be a partnership. Health care providers bring medical knowledge, but each patient brings their own unique expertise, including their family experiences and their needs to the partnership.

What is a patient navigator?

A patient navigator is a health care professional who guides patients through the health care system; connecting them with the right professionals and helping them gain access to available resources. The patient navigator is based at the hospital and is an ongoing resource for patients and families.

What does a patient navigator do?

• Guides patients through their colorectal cancer journey from diagnosis to recovery
• Prepares patients for appointments and treatment
• Provides information and educational materials
• Coordinates care and liaises between all members of the health care team
• Helps patients and families access and connect with community resources
• Enhances the patient experience through emotional support along the entire journey

How do I contact a patient navigator?

Anyone is able to contact the patient navigator directly at:

Amy Su, Gastrointestinal Cancer Patient Navigator
Email: gi.navigator@nygh.on.ca

Penney Deratnay - Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse

Penney Deratnay, MN RN NSWOC WOCC(C) CRN(C) is one of two Clinical Nurse Specialists for Wound and Ostomy who provide specialized, advanced care within the Colorectal Program at North York General Hospital. She has over 3 decades of nursing experience with over 12 years practicing in a variety of advanced nursing roles. Penney completed her Master of Nursing (Thesis) at Ryerson Polytechnical University and is a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC). Further, she is certified by the Canadian Nurses Association in two specialty areas, Wound, Ostomy and Continence and Rehabilitation Nursing.

Penney’s approach to care is both evidence-informed and person-centred. She greatly appreciates the relational piece of practice and strives to partner with patients and significant others to meet their unique care needs and goals.

Susan Chandler - Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse Specialist

Susan’s passion for wound and ostomy care began as a student nurse. Graduating in England as a Registered Nurse she spent 20 years honing her skills before coming to Canada for an adventure.

As one of the clinical nurse specialists for wound and ostomy at North York General Hospital she provides consultation for patients with complex wounds and ostomies.

Susan holds a Masters degree in wound healing from University of Western Ontario, and is certified by the Canadian Nurses Association as a nurse specialized in wound, ostomy and continence.

Her passion for this nursing specialty has led her to roles in education as an academic advisor for the Wound Ostomy Continence Institute, Canada and also as an academic advisor for the University of Toronto. Susan has presented at national conferences and symposiums and coauthored poster presentations.