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Best General Surgeons in Sioux Falls

Written by Andrew Le, MD

Updated November 23, 2024

Introduction to General Surgery in Sioux Falls

Overview of general surgery and its importance in healthcare

General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts, as well as the thyroid gland. General surgeons also deal with diseases involving the skin, breast, soft tissue, and hernias.

Common procedures performed by general surgeons include appendectomies, cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, and various types of biopsies. They also often perform minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries.

The landscape of general surgery in Sioux Falls

Based on the provided data, there are at least 43 general surgeons practicing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This number includes surgeons with various subspecialties within general surgery.

Major healthcare facilities in Sioux Falls offering general surgery services include Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Sanford USD Medical Center, and Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota. These institutions provide a wide range of surgical services and are affiliated with many of the top-rated surgeons in the area.


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List of General Surgeons in Sioux Falls

VN

Dr. Verlyn Nykamp

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-2100

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Butterworth Hospital - Mich State University (Residency Hospital, 1995)

St Lukes Episcopal Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1995)

University of Minnesota Medical School (Medical School, 1990)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

Sanford Vermillion Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

PM

Dr. Paul Meyer

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 977-7000

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Minnesota Medical School (Medical School)

English

Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Dr. Andrew Skattum

Dr. Andrew Skattum

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(605) 328-3840

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

Orlando Regional Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)

St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Medical School)

English

Spanish

Oviedo Medical Center

HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital

HCA Florida Osceola Hospital

Critical Care Surgery

Trauma Medicine

General Surgery

JS

Dr. Jeffery Steers

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-7350

American Board of Surgery

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1990)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Pipestone County Medical Center

Avera Sacred Heart Hospital

General Surgery

PD

Dr. Paula Denevan

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-3840

American Board of Surgery

Virginia Mason Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2006)

Virginia Mason Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2002)

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine (Medical School, 2001)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

Dr. Steven Feldhaus

Dr. Steven Feldhaus

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-8000

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

University of Kansas Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1990)

Phoenix Integrated Surg Res (Residency Hospital, 1988)

Phoenix Integrated Surg Res|University of Kansas Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1988)

Creighton University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)

English

Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Avera St. Mary's Hospital

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

SH

Dr. Stephanie Hung

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 696-9000

American Board of Surgery

English

Calverthealth Medical Center

General Surgery

MZ

Dr. Muhammad Zeb

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(952) 993-8900

Army Medical College (Medical School)

English

Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital

General Surgery

Dr. Tricia Merrigan

Dr. Tricia Merrigan

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-8000

American Board of Surgery

Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2011)

Akron General Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2011)

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)

The University Of South Dakota (Undergraduate School, 2001)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

JD

Dr. Jesse Dirksen

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-3840

American Board of Surgery

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

PM

Dr. Patrick McGreevy

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 336-2140

American Board of Surgery

Creighton University (Medical School, 1962)

English

General Surgery

WP

Dr. Wade Paulson

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(320) 252-3342

English

CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital

General Surgery

GN

Dr. Grace Nicksa

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-8000

American Board of Surgery

University of Connecticut (Medical School, 2004)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Wesley Medical Center

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

SY

Dr. Suzanne Yoder

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(805) 563-6560

American Board of Surgery

FIRST MOSKOW SECHENOV MEDICAL INSTITUTE I.M. SECENOVA (Medical School, 2004)

English

Community Memorial Hospital San Buenaventura

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Ventura County Medical Center

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

CG

Dr. Cynthia Gingalewski

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(503) 413-4300

American Board of Surgery

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK / COLLEGE OF GENESEO (Medical School, 1990)

English

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

ZO

Dr. Zachary Osborne

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-7300

American Board of Surgery

Ross University School of Medicine (Medical School, 2015)

English

Carle Foundation Hospital

General Surgery

Vascular Surgery

MF

Dr. Mark Fleming

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 977-5000

Mayo Clinic-Rochester (Fellowship Hospital, 2010)

Mayo Clinic Arizona (Residency Hospital, 2008)

University of Arizona (Medical School, 2003)

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix (Medical School, 2003)

English

University of Kentucky Hospital

Vascular Surgery

General Surgery

AD

Dr. Anand Dayama

5.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-7300

American Board of Surgery

BANARAS HINDU UNIVERSITY / INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCE (Medical School, 2011)

English

Ortonville Municipal Hospital

Sanford Canby Medical Center

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

Vascular Surgery

Dr. Thomas Fullerton

Dr. Thomas Fullerton

4.6

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 336-2140

American Board of Surgery

Central Ia Health Sys/ia Methodi (Residency Hospital)

Sioux Falls Fam Prac Res (Residency Hospital)

University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Dr. James Breit

Dr. James Breit

4.5

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 335-3349

American Board of Surgery

American Board of Plastic Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School, 1998)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Dermatologic Surgery

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Breast Surgery

Burn Surgery

Dr. Donald Wingert

Dr. Donald Wingert

4.5

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 334-0393

American Board of Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School, 1982)

English

Avera Flandreau Hospital

Hendricks Community Hospital

General Surgery

DM

Dr. David Maziarz

4.3

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-3800

American Board of Thoracic Surgery

Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2007)

Pitt County Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital, 2005)

Pitt County Memorial Hospital (Internship Hospital, 2000)

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (Medical School, 1999)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

Cardiothoracic Surgery

EG

Dr. Elizabeth Gavin

4.2

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(763) 299-8346

American Board of Surgery

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE (Medical School, 2005)

English

General Surgery

Venous and Lymphatic Medicine

Dr. Bradley Thaemert

Dr. Bradley Thaemert

4.1

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-8000

American Board of Surgery

La Crosse Lutheran Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1994)

University of Minnesota Medical School (Medical School, 1993)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Dermatologic Surgery

Colorectal Surgery

Endocrine Surgery

Gastroenterological Surgery

Laparoscopic Surgery

Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery

AS

Dr. Angelo Santos

4.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-7300

American Board of Surgery

West Virginia University (Medical School)

English

Murray County Medical Center

Brookings Health System

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Critical Care Surgery

General Surgery

Vascular Surgery

JG

Dr. Jesse Guardado

4.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 334-0393

American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery

University of Illinois College of Medicine (Medical School)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Colorectal Surgery

Dr. Michael Bauer

Dr. Michael Bauer

4.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 334-0393

American Board of Surgery

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine (Medical School, 2014)

English

Freeman Regional Health Services

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

PK

Dr. Patrick Kelly

3.9

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-3350

American Board of Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School, 1998)

English

Orange City Area Health System

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

Vascular Surgery

Dr. William Lee

Dr. William Lee

3.8

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(641) 782-2131

American Board of Surgery

Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies (Internship Hospital)

University of South Dakota (Undergraduate School)

R J & Lucille Carver College of Medicine University of Ia (Medical School, 1995)

English

Appleton Area Health

Stevens Community Medical Center

General Surgery

Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Medicine

DF

Dr. David Flanagan

3.7

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 336-2140

American Board of Surgery

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 1995)

English

Holy Cross Hospital

General Surgery

KW

Dr. Kirke Wheeler

3.7

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-3840

American Board of Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School, 1979)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

Dr. David Wahoff

Dr. David Wahoff

3.7

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(612) 813-8000

American Board of Surgery

Childrens Hospital Medical Center (Residency Hospital)

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1989)

English

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

Dr. Garrison Whitaker

Dr. Garrison Whitaker

3.5

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English, Spanish

Phone

(817) 267-4100

American Board of Surgery

Drexel University College of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital)

Drexel University-Graduate Medical Education (Residency Hospital)

University of Michigan (Undergraduate School)

University of Michigan / Ann Arbor (Undergraduate School)

University Louisville (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)

Howard University College of Medicine (Medical School, 2002)

English

Spanish

Memorial Medical Center

Orthopedic Hand Surgery

General Surgery

BM

Dr. Barry Martin

3.4

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-4130

American Board of Plastic Surgery

Harvard University (Residency Hospital, 2003)

Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2000)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

General Surgery

MT

Dr. Matthew Tschetter

3.1

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-3840

American Board of Colon & Rectal Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

Colorectal Surgery

Dr. Marc Downing

Dr. Marc Downing

2.9

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(269) 341-6900

American Board of Surgery

Oh St University Children's Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2001)

University of Toledo Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 1991)

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine (Medical School, 1990)

English

Bronson Methodist Hospital

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

Dr. Anthony Bufo

Dr. Anthony Bufo

2.8

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-8000

American Board of Surgery

State University of New York at Buffalo (Medical School, 1989)

English

Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

EM

Dr. Emily Murphy

2.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 334-0393

American Board of Surgery

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Dr. Michael Person

Dr. Michael Person

1.8

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-8000

American Board of Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School, 2004)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Avera St. Luke's Hospital

General Surgery

DK

Dr. Donald Knudson

1.0

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-8690

Washington University (Medical School, 1973)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

General Surgery

SK

Dr. Scott Keckler

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-1000

American Board of Surgery

University of South Dakota (Medical School)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

Critical Care Surgery

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

MM

Dr. Mia Miller

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 274-0217

American Board of Surgery

English

General Surgery

JB

Dr. Joanne Baerg

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(505) 563-6530

UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA / FACULTY OF EDUCATION (Medical School, 1990)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center

General Surgery

SD

Dr. Sean Dupont

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 336-3230

English

Sanford Worthington Medical Center

General Surgery

HC

Dr. Hector Saucedo Crespo

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-7350

American Board of Surgery

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

SS

Dr. Shehryar Sheikh

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(888) 319-1153

English

Cleveland Clinic

Main Campus Medical Center

General Surgery

JG

Dr. Jagdish Gill

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 310-2000

GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY / MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical School, 1965)

English

General Surgery

HI

Dr. Harvey Oliver III

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 328-2663

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

Sanford Canby Medical Center

Sanford Luverne Medical Center

General Surgery

AC

Dr. Andrew Chontos

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 336-3230

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER (Medical School, 1995)

English

Brookings Health System

General Surgery

LM

Dr. Lukas Mueller

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 334-0393

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

General Surgery

Dr. Ronald Auvenshine

Dr. Ronald Auvenshine

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-7350

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (Medical School, 2002)

English

Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital

General Surgery

Transplant Surgery

SK

Dr. Stephen Karl

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 322-3666

CORNELL UNIVERSITY / NEW YORK STATE STATUTORY COLLEGES (Medical School, 1974)

English

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

JR

Dr. Jon Ryckman

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Male

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-1000

American Board of Surgery

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center

Pediatric Surgery

General Surgery

TB

Dr. Thekla Bacharach

N/A

Sioux Falls, SD

Sex

Female

Languages

English

Phone

(605) 312-7300

American Board of Surgery

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND MEDICAL SCHOOL (Medical School)

English

Sanford Usd Medical Center

Prairie Lakes Hospital

Sanford Chamberlain Medical Center

General Surgery

Vascular Surgery

Choosing a General Surgeon in Sioux Falls

Factors to consider when selecting a surgeon

Board certification and credentials

  • American Board of Surgery certification
  • Additional specialty certifications (e.g., American Board of Thoracic Surgery)

Experience and specializations

  • Years of practice
  • Subspecialties within general surgery
  • Expertise in specific procedures

Hospital affiliations

  • Major hospitals in Sioux Falls (e.g., Avera McKennan, Sanford USD Medical Center)
  • Access to advanced medical facilities and equipment

Patient reviews and ratings

  • Overall star rating on Healthgrades
  • Number of patient reviews
  • Specific feedback on surgical outcomes and patient care

Resources for researching surgeons

Online physician directories

  • Healthgrades profiles and ratings
  • Other reputable medical review websites

Hospital websites and recommendations

  • Surgeon profiles on Avera and Sanford Health websites
  • Hospital-specific physician finder tools

Professional medical associations

  • American College of Surgeons member directory
  • South Dakota State Medical Association resources

Top-Rated General Surgeons in Sioux Falls

Dr. Jesse Dirksen

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
  • Affiliated with Sanford USD Medical Center

Patient Satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating based on 7 patient reviews
  • Highest number of reviews among top-rated surgeons in Sioux Falls

Contact Information

  • Phone: (605) 328-3840

Dr. Steven Feldhaus

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
  • Specializes in both General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Affiliated with Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota and Avera McKennan Hospital

Education

  • Graduated from Creighton University School of Medicine in 1983
  • Completed residencies at University of Kansas Hospital and Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency

Patient Satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating based on 4 patient reviews

Contact Information

  • Phone: (605) 322-8000

Dr. Tricia Merrigan

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
  • Affiliated with Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Education

  • Graduated from University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in 2006
  • Completed residency at Iowa Methodist Medical Center
  • Fellowship at Akron General Medical Center

Patient Satisfaction

  • 5.0-star rating based on 2 patient reviews

Contact Information

  • Phone: (605) 322-8000

Dr. Thomas Fullerton

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
  • Affiliated with Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Education

  • Graduated from University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in 1987
  • Completed residencies at Central Iowa Health System and Sioux Falls Family Practice Residency

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.6-star rating based on 14 patient reviews
  • Highest number of reviews among all listed surgeons

Contact Information

  • Phone: (605) 336-2140

Dr. James Breit

Professional Background

  • Board certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Specializes in General Surgery, Breast Surgery, and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
  • Affiliated with Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center

Education

  • Graduated from University of South Dakota in 1998

Patient Satisfaction

  • 4.5-star rating based on 15 patient reviews
  • Second-highest number of reviews among listed surgeons

Contact Information

  • Phone: (605) 335-3349

Additional Considerations for Selecting a General Surgeon in Sioux Falls

Insurance Coverage and Network Participation

Importance of verifying insurance acceptance

  • Check if the surgeon is in-network with your insurance provider
  • Understand potential out-of-pocket costs

Considerations for out-of-network care

  • Evaluate the cost-benefit of choosing an out-of-network surgeon
  • Explore options for financial assistance or payment plans

Communication Style and Bedside Manner

Assessing surgeon-patient communication

  • Evaluate the surgeon's ability to explain complex medical information
  • Consider the surgeon's willingness to answer questions and address concerns

Importance of a comfortable doctor-patient relationship

  • Assess personal comfort level with the surgeon
  • Consider the surgeon's empathy and compassion

Availability and Scheduling

Evaluating surgeon accessibility

  • Consider wait times for appointments and procedures
  • Assess the surgeon's availability for follow-up care

Understanding the surgical team structure

  • Inquire about the involvement of residents or fellows in your care
  • Learn about the support staff and their roles

Second Opinions and Consultations

Benefits of seeking multiple perspectives

  • Understand the value of second opinions for complex cases
  • Learn how to request and coordinate second opinion consultations

Comparing surgical approaches and techniques

  • Discuss alternative treatment options with different surgeons
  • Evaluate the pros and cons of various surgical methods