Best General Surgeons in Columbia
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to General Surgery in Columbia, Missouri
Definition and Scope of General Surgery
General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, appendix and bile ducts, and often the thyroid gland.
Common procedures include appendectomies, hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and various types of gastrointestinal surgeries.
Choosing the right surgeon is essential for optimal surgical outcomes and patient care.
General Surgery Landscape in Columbia
Based on the provided data, there are at least 78 general surgeons practicing in Columbia, Missouri.
Key healthcare facilities in Columbia offering general surgery services include University of Missouri Health Care and Boone Hospital Center.
Importance of Informed Decision-Making
Patients should be well-informed about their surgical options and the qualifications of potential surgeons.
The choice of surgeon can significantly impact the success of the procedure and the patient's recovery process.
What's the fastest way to connect to general surgeons?
Our clinically-backed AI will ask you questions and provide an answer specific to your unique health situation.
List of General Surgeons in Columbia
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
University of Maryland Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
University of South Alabama Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
St Barnabas Medical Center (Internship Hospital)
China-West China University Of Medical Sciences (Medical School)
Saint Barnabas Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2003)
English
Chinese
Cardiothoracic Surgery
General Surgery
Dr. Daniel Verbist
5.0
Columbia, MO
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Plastic Surgery
English
Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery
Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery
General Surgery
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Pediatric Plastic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Wv University School Of Med Morgantown Wv 26506 (Residency Hospital, 2005)
Ross University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1999)
UC Irvine - B.S. (Undergraduate School, 1994)
English
Vietnamese
General Surgery
Dr. Kevin Bartow
4.5
Columbia, MO
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI / COLUMBIA CAMPUS (Medical School)
English
General Surgery
ST
Dr. Sydnei Tolefree
4.0
Columbia, MO
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
English
General Surgery
American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery
American Board of Surgery
La State University (Residency Hospital, 2003)
St Louis University Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1999)
University of Missouri School of Medicine (Medical School, 1996)
English
General Surgery
Colorectal Surgery
JL
Dr. Jeffrey Litt
N/A
Columbia, MO
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School, 2006)
English
Critical Care Surgery
General Surgery
OB
Dr. Olivia Bolles
N/A
Columbia, MO
Sex
Female
Languages
English
English
Family Medicine
General Surgery
General Medical Practice
TN
Dr. Thomas Noel
N/A
Columbia, MO
Sex
Male
Languages
English
English
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Tripler Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2002)
Tripler Army Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1998)
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine (Medical School, 1997)
English
General Surgery
NB
Dr. Naveen Balasundaram
N/A
Columbia, MO
Sex
Male
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
DR. M.G.R. MEDICAL UNIVERSITY / STANLEY MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 2007)
English
General Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Factors to Consider When Choosing a General Surgeon in Columbia
Qualifications and Credentials
Board Certification
- American Board of Surgery certification
- Other relevant certifications (e.g., American Board of Thoracic Surgery)
Educational Background
- Medical school attended
- Residency and fellowship programs completed
Experience and Specialization
Years of Practice
- Consider surgeons with established careers in Columbia
- Balance between experience and up-to-date techniques
Areas of Expertise
- Subspecialties within general surgery
- Specific procedures frequently performed
Patient Reviews and Ratings
Online Ratings
- Healthgrades star ratings
- Number of reviews available
Patient Testimonials
- Qualitative feedback from previous patients
- Consistency in positive reviews
Hospital Affiliations
Local Healthcare Facilities
- University of Missouri Health Care
- Boone Hospital Center
Access to Resources
- Advanced surgical equipment
- Support staff and interdisciplinary teams
Top-Rated General Surgeons in Columbia
Dr. Reggie Vaden
Background and qualifications
- Board-certified in General Surgery and Colorectal Surgery
- Education: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Patient ratings and reviews
- 5.0 star rating based on 12 reviews
- Highest-rated general surgeon in Columbia based on available data
Areas of specialization
- General Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
Dr. Kevin Bartow
Experience and expertise
- Board-certified in General Surgery
- Graduate of University of Missouri / Columbia Campus
Patient feedback
- 4.5 star rating based on 17 reviews
- One of the most reviewed general surgeons in Columbia
Notable achievements or specialties
- Specializes in General Surgery
Dr. Emily Albright
Educational background
- Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
- Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin
Patient satisfaction scores
- 4.0 star rating based on 21 reviews
- High number of patient reviews indicating experience
Unique aspects of practice
- Focuses on General Surgery
- Affiliated with University of Missouri Health Care
Dr. Anne Petersen
Years of experience
- Graduate of Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 2001
- Board-certified in General Surgery
Patient reviews
- 3.6 star rating based on 23 reviews
- One of the most reviewed general surgeons in Columbia
Specialized procedures or techniques
- Focuses on General Surgery
Dr. Erik Grossmann
Qualifications and certifications
- Board-certified in General Surgery and Colon & Rectal Surgery
- Medical School: University of Missouri School of Medicine
Patient testimonials
- 3.4 star rating based on 16 reviews
Areas of focus within general surgery
- General Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
Additional Resources for Choosing a General Surgeon in Columbia
Local Medical Societies and Associations
Missouri State Medical Association
- Provides a directory of licensed physicians
- Offers educational resources on medical specialties
Boone County Medical Society
- Local organization with information on area physicians
- May offer community health events and education
Online Physician Directories and Review Sites
Healthgrades
- Comprehensive profiles of 70+ general surgeons in Columbia
- Patient ratings and reviews available for many surgeons
Other Online Resources
- Vitals, RateMDs, and other physician review websites
- University of Missouri Health Care physician directory
Referrals and Recommendations
Primary Care Physician Referrals
- Consult with your regular doctor for personalized recommendations
- Discuss your specific surgical needs and health history
Personal Networks
- Ask friends, family, or colleagues about their experiences
- Seek recommendations from local support groups or community organizations
Consultation Process
Importance of Meeting Potential Surgeons
- Schedule consultations with top candidates
- Assess communication style and comfort level with the surgeon
Questions to Ask During a Consultation
- Inquire about the surgeon's experience with your specific procedure
- Discuss potential risks, recovery time, and expected outcomes
- Ask about the surgical team and hospital facilities