Selecting a Surgeon

Selecting a surgeon to perform your surgery is an important decision to make. When selecting a surgeon, it is important to look for surgeons who are highly trained in their fields. MemorialCare’s experienced and compassionate surgeons provide high quality care and have vast expertise in a variety of surgical specialties.

Why are there so many different surgical specialists?

Surgeons who are subspecialists have completed their medical degree, residency training, surgical residency training in general surgery, and surgical residency training in a specific area of surgery. Once surgeons have completed their education, training and national board exams they become board-certified specialists in their field.

What does each specialized surgeon do?

• Bariatric Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to weight-loss surgery to treat obesity.
• Cardiothoracic Surgeon - A subspecialty of cardiovascular disease and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures affecting organs inside the thorax (the chest) to treat conditions of the heart and or lungs. Procedures range from minimally invasive, beating-heart to open heart surgery.
• Colon & Rectal Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to the colon and rectum to treat colon and rectal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis disease, hemorrhoids, and constipation.
• Foot & Ankle Surgeon - A subspecialty of orthopedics, podiatry and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to treatments for disorders of the foot and ankle.
• General Surgeon - A surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to the abdomen including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and thyroid gland. General surgeons are also trained in procedures specific to treatments for skin, breast, and soft tissue.
• Gynecologic Surgeon - A surgeon who is specialized in the female reproductive system. Gynecologic surgeons are trained in surgical procedures to treat conditions involving the female reproductive system.
• Hand Surgeon - A subspecialty of orthopedics and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments specific the hand or upper extremity.
• Hand Plastic Surgeon - A subspecialty of orthopedics, general surgery and plastic surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments specific the hand or upper extremity.
• Neurosurgeon - A subspecialty of neurology and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system.
• Obstetrician & Gynecologist (OB/GYN) - A physician who is specialized in both the care of women throughout pregnancy and the female reproductive system. Obstetrician & Gynecologists are trained in surgical procedures to deliver babies and to treat conditions involving the female reproductive system.
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to treatments for diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face, jaws and hard and soft tissues of the oral (mouth) and maxillofacial (jaws and face) region.
• Orthopedic Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments specific to the musculoskeletal system including trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, and tumors.
• Pediatric Neurosurgeon - A subspecialty of pediatrics and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults specific to the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system.
• Pediatric Oral Surgeon - A subspecialty of pediatrics and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults specific to treatments for diseases, injuries and defects in the oral (mouth) region.
• Pediatric Plastic Surgeon - A subspecialty of pediatrics and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults specific to treatments for diseases, injuries and defects in the oral (mouth) region.
• Pediatric Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults specific to reconstructive techniques.
• Pediatric Urologic Surgeon - A subspecialty of urology and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults specific to the male and female urinary tract system (kidneys, adrenal glands, urinary bladder, and urethra) and male reproductive organs.
• Pediatric Vascular Surgeon - A subspecialty of pediatrics and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults specific to conditions affecting arteries and veins in the vascular system. Procedures range from minimally invasive catheter procedures to reconstructive surgery.
• Plastic Surgeon - A surgeon who specializes in reconstructive techniques.
• Spine Surgeon - A subspecialty of orthopedics, neurology and general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to the back vertebrae and nervous system including the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
• Trauma Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures specific to emergency treatments for physical injuries.
• Vascular Surgeon - A subspecialty of general surgery, a surgeon who is specialized in surgical procedures affecting arteries and veins in the vascular system. Procedures range from minimally invasive catheter procedures to reconstructive surgery.

In addition to surgeon specialists, other medical professionals may be involved in your surgery, including:

• Anesthesiologist - A physician who is specialized in preoperative care, anesthesia and airway management, intraoperative life support, pain control, intraoperative diagnostic stabilization and post-operative care.
• Surgical Assistant or Surgical First – A trained medical professional such as a physician, surgical resident, surgical physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed surgical assistant, or certified surgical first assistant who provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results.
• Surgical Nurse – A nurse who is specialized in perioperative care, they provide care before, during and after surgery.
• Surgical Technologist – A professional who aids in preparing you for surgery, assist surgeons with surgical tools and equipment during surgery, and perform post-surgery practices.

How to find a surgeon specialist

Specialists may also be found in our Find a Provider physician’s directory. Talking to your primary care physician or specialist and asking them for a referral to a surgeon is a good first step.