Best General Surgeons in Lakeland

Introduction to General Surgery in Lakeland, Florida

Overview of general surgery as a medical specialty

General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, as well as the thyroid gland.

General surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, appendectomies, and various types of cancer surgeries.

Importance of choosing the right general surgeon

Selecting the appropriate general surgeon can significantly influence the success of your procedure, your recovery time, and your overall health outcome.

When choosing a general surgeon in Lakeland, consider factors such as their education, experience, specializations, patient reviews, and hospital affiliations.

General Surgery Landscape in Lakeland

Overview of general surgery services available in Lakeland

Number of practicing general surgeons in the area

• Based on the provided data, there are at least 33 general surgeons practicing in Lakeland, Florida.

Diversity of surgical expertise

• The data shows a range of subspecialties within general surgery, including surgical oncology, pediatric surgery, and trauma surgery.

Qualifications and experience of Lakeland's general surgeons

Board certifications

• Many surgeons are certified by the American Board of Surgery, indicating a high standard of training and expertise.

Educational background

• Surgeons in Lakeland have diverse educational backgrounds, with degrees from institutions across the United States and internationally.

Patient satisfaction and surgeon ratings

Range of patient ratings

• Surgeon ratings in Lakeland range from 1.0 to 5.0 stars, with several surgeons receiving high ratings of 4.0 stars or above.

Number of patient reviews

• The number of reviews per surgeon varies, with some having over 20 reviews, providing a good basis for patient feedback.

Accessibility and communication

Language capabilities

• Many surgeons in Lakeland offer services in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and others, enhancing patient communication.

Contact information

• Most surgeons have provided phone numbers, facilitating easy access for patients seeking consultations or appointments.

Top-Ranked General Surgeons in Lakeland

Dr. Vanessa Prowler

Background and Education

• Graduated from Florida State University College of Medicine in 2010
• Completed residency at University Hospital and Medical Center
• Fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital

Specializations

• Surgical Oncology
• General Surgery

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 5 patient reviews
• Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery

Contact Information

• Phone: (863) 284-5020

Dr. Christopher Snyder

Background and Education

• Graduated from University of Florida

Specializations

• Pediatric Surgery
• General Surgery

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 3 patient reviews
• Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery

Contact Information

• Phone: (727) 767-4170

Dr. Manuel Molina-Vega

Background and Education

• Graduated from University of Panama in 1998
• Completed internship at Montefiore Medical Center - Moses Division in 2001

Specializations

• General Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.5-star rating on Healthgrades
• 19 patient reviews
• Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery

Languages Spoken

• English
• Spanish

Contact Information

• Phone: (863) 284-5020

Dr. Dallas Buchanan

Background and Education

• Graduated from University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2006
• Completed residency at Baptist Health System
• Fellowship at Temple University

Specializations

• Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• General Surgery
• Breast Reconstruction Surgery
• Cosmetic Medicine
• Oculoplastic Surgery

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.4-star rating on Healthgrades
• 28 patient reviews
• Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

Contact Information

• Phone: (833) 284-8439

Dr. Charles Hartin

Background and Education

• Graduated from University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine in 2005
• Completed residency at State University of New York and Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo
• Fellowship at Texas Children's Hospital

Specializations

• Pediatric Surgery
• General Surgery

Patient Ratings and Reviews

• 4.4-star rating on Healthgrades
• 20 patient reviews
• Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery

Contact Information

• Phone: (251) 415-1475

Choosing the Right General Surgeon in Lakeland

Factors to consider when selecting a surgeon

Board certifications and specializations

• Review American Board of Surgery certifications
• Consider subspecialties like Surgical Oncology or Pediatric Surgery

Experience and expertise in specific procedures

• Evaluate years of practice and educational background
• Inquire about the number of similar procedures performed

Patient reviews and ratings

• Examine star ratings and number of reviews
• Read patient testimonials for insights into bedside manner and outcomes

Hospital affiliations

• Check associations with reputable local hospitals
• Consider the quality of facilities where surgeries are performed

Questions to ask potential surgeons

Surgical approach and techniques used

• Inquire about traditional vs. minimally invasive options
• Ask about the latest technological advancements employed

Expected outcomes and potential risks

• Discuss success rates for specific procedures
• Understand possible complications and how they are managed

Recovery process and follow-up care

• Get details on post-operative care and rehabilitation
• Understand the follow-up appointment schedule and availability