Dr. Chris Baliski MD, BSc, FRCSC

Dr. Baliski is a Surgical Oncologist specializing in the management of breast cancer, melanoma, and endocrine surgery, with a special interest in oncoplastic breast surgery. He completed a Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at the University of Calgary.

His cancer practice is primarily based at BC Cancer-Kelowna, where he has worked since 2005. He currently serves as the Regional Surgical Oncology Lead for the BC Cancer Surgeon Network and as the Provincial Melanoma Tumour Group Lead. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor with UBC, Department of Surgery. His research interests encompass health services research—focusing on the quality of cancer surgical care, regional disparities, and patient-reported outcomes—as well as surgical oncology clinical trials and innovation in surgery.
 

Research highlights include:

Current:

Lympho-vascular anastomosis project: Implementation of a program for the prevention of lymphedema in patients undergoing lymph node removal, conducted as co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Scott Williamson (Plastic Surgery).
 

Surveillance of Lymphedema and Dysfunction of the Shoulder (SLEDS): Evaluation of lymphedema, shoulder dysfunction, and quality of life following lymph node removal, conducted as co-Principal Investigator with Dr. Lauren Capozzi
(Cancer Rehabilitation).
 

Completed:

MelMart II: Served as Provincial Principal Investigator for a study addressing
de-escalation of surgical margins for melanoma (finished accrual).
 

Reducing the Burden of Breast Cancer in Young Women (RUBY): Served as Provincial Principal Investigator for a study investigating genetics, psychosocial issues, fertility, and management strategies in women under 40 years of age with breast cancer
(finished accrual).
 

Publication history: PubMed