Best General Surgeons in Knoxville
Updated September 19, 2024
Introduction to General Surgery in Knoxville
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, and often the thyroid gland.
General surgeons perform a wide variety of procedures, including appendectomies, hernia repairs, cholecystectomies (gallbladder removals), and various types of biopsies and 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.
Experienced surgeons often have lower complication rates and can provide more comprehensive care before, during, and after surgery.
Knoxville's medical landscape for general surgery
Knoxville boasts several well-regarded medical facilities, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, and Tennova Healthcare.
The University of Tennessee Medical Center stands out as a major hub for general surgery, with many top-rated surgeons affiliated with this institution.
What's the fastest way to connect to general surgeons?
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List of General Surgeons in Knoxville
Nicholls State University (Undergraduate School)
Charity Hosp-LSU (Residency Hospital, 1988)
Charity Hospital LSU (Residency Hospital, 1988)
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 1986)
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine (Medical School, 1981)
English
Roane Medical Center
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Bariatric Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Harvard University School PH (1999)
HARVARD Medical School (1998)
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (1996)
Harley St Clin/Harefield Br (Residency Hospital, 1988)
Emory University (Residency Hospital, 1984)
Emory University|Harley St Clin/Harefield Br|St Marys Hospital Medical Center|Stanford University (Residency Hospital, 1984)
Stanford University (Residency Hospital, 1981)
Stanford University (Fellowship Hospital, 1981)
St Marys Hospital Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1980)
Royal Brisbane Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1976)
University Of Queensland, Faculty Of Health Sciences (Medical School, 1975)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Saint Joseph London
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Critical Care Medicine
General Surgery
University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center (2009)
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE / KNOXVILLE (Undergraduate School, 2007)
Tennessee College Of Applied Technology / Knoxville (Undergraduate School, 2005)
English
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Fort Loudoun Medical Center
Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
Wound & Burn Care
General Surgery
Acute Care Nursing (Nurse Practitioner)
American Board of Surgery
University of Tennessee Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2013)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2012)
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (Internship Hospital, 2008)
University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Critical Care Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics (Fellowship Hospital, 2018)
University of Tennessee Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 2017)
Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 2012)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
General Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
American Board of Surgery
MD Anderson Cancer Center (Fellowship Hospital, 1988)
University Alabama (Residency Hospital, 1986)
University Alabama-University Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1981)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 1980)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
General Surgery
Case Western Res U/Univ Hosps Cleveland (Fellowship Hospital, 2011)
University Of Virginia Health System (Residency Hospital, 2010)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (Medical School, 2005)
Tennessee Technological University (Undergraduate School, 2000)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Minimally Invasive Surgery
General Surgery
Robotic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Georgia Baptist Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1994)
Georgia Baptist Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1990)
University of Florida College of Medicine (Medical School, 1989)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
General Surgery
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Fellowship Hospital)
University of Fl College of Med (Residency Hospital)
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1988)
English
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Surgical Oncology
General Surgery
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis (Fellowship Hospital, 2018)
East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 2016)
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 2011)
University of Colorado Denver - Anschutz Medical Campus (Medical School, 2010)
University Of Colorado Denver / Anschutz Medical Campus (Medical School, 2010)
Syracuse University (Undergraduate School, 2004)
English
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Vascular Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Union Memorial Hospital (Residency Hospital)
University of Virginia (Undergraduate School)
Allegheny General Hospital (Fellowship Hospital, 2006)
University of Virginia / Main Campus (Medical School, 2000)
University of Virginia School of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)
English
Spanish
Parkwest Medical Center
Bariatric Surgery
General Surgery
Wm Beaumont Amc (Residency Hospital, 1972)
Brooke Army Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1968)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1967)
English
Parkwest Medical Center
Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center
Breast Surgical Oncology
Breast Oncology
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Emory University School of Medicine (Residency Hospital)
Emory University (Medical School, 1987)
Emory University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1987)
English
Spanish
Parkwest Medical Center
General Surgery
Vascular Surgery
American Board of Surgery
University of Georgia (Undergraduate School)
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (Fellowship Hospital, 2008)
Medical College of Georgia Hospital and Clinic (Residency Hospital, 2006)
Augusta University Medical College of Georgia (Medical School, 1996)
English
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Surgical Oncology
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Indiana School Of Medicine-Colon & Rectal Surgery Residency (Fellowship Hospital, 2012)
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital-General Surgery Residency (Residency Hospital, 2011)
Brown University (Internship Hospital, 2007)
Brown University Alpert Medical School (Internship Hospital, 2007)
University of Alabama at Birmingham (Medical School, 2006)
University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)
University OF ALABAMA (Undergraduate School, 2000)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Colorectal Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Dermatology
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 2009)
University of Tn Health Sci Center (Medical School, 2009)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center
Blount Memorial Hospital
Dermatology
Pediatric Dermatology
General Surgery
Occupational Skin Diseases
Cleveland Clinic Foundation (Fellowship Hospital, 1988)
Hahnemann Universtiy - Philadelphia (Medical School, 1982)
English
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Fort Loudoun Medical Center
Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System
General Surgery
Vascular Surgery
American Board of Surgery
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Campus (Fellowship Hospital, 2011)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 2007)
University of Tn Health Sci Center (Medical School, 2007)
University of Tennessee (Undergraduate School, 2002)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
General Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Dr. Nicole Kissane
4.2
Knoxville, TN
Sex
Female
Languages
English
American Board of Surgery
CENTRAL VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Medical School, 2005)
English
Indiana University Health North Hospital
IU Health Methodist Hospital
General Surgery
American Board of Medical Specialties
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Washington and Lee University (Undergraduate School)
Emory University School of Medicine (Fellowship Hospital, 1987)
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Residency Hospital, 1985)
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 1981)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1980)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
Cardiothoracic Surgery
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
University of Kentucky Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
University of Kansas (Undergraduate School)
University of Kansas School of Medicine (Medical School, 2004)
English
Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center
General Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Carolinas Medical Center (Fellowship Hospital)
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia (Residency Hospital)
University of Memphis (Undergraduate School)
Wake Forest School of Medicine (Medical School, 2006)
English
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
General Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
University of Alabama Medical Center (Residency Hospital)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School)
University Of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Graduated Magna Cum Laude (Undergraduate School)
Erlanger Mc University Tennessee (Fellowship Hospital, 1997)
Erlanger MC-U Tennessee (Fellowship Hospital, 1997)
University Ala-Birmingham (Internship Hospital, 1991)
English
General Surgery
Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Breast Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Medical University of South Carolina (Residency Hospital)
University of Tennessee (Undergraduate School)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 2000)
English
Spanish
Parkwest Medical Center
General Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Madigan Army Medical Center (Internship Hospital)
Tripler Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1988)
Madigan Army Medical Center (Residency Hospital, 1984)
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine (Medical School, 1983)
English
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
General Surgery
Thoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery
Vanderbilt University (Undergraduate School)
University of Virginia (Fellowship Hospital, 2002)
University of Tennessee (Internship Hospital, 1998)
University of Tennessee College of Medicine (Medical School, 1997)
English
Spanish
Tennova Healthcare North Knoxville Medical Center
Fort Loudoun Medical Center
Cumberland Medical Center
Vascular Surgery
General Surgery
University Tenn Grad School Med (Internship Hospital, 1995)
University Tenn Grad School of Medicine (Internship Hospital, 1995)
Mercer University School of Medicine (Medical School, 1994)
Notre Dame (Undergraduate School, 1990)
English
University of Tennessee Medical Center
General Surgery
Yale University Hospital (Residency Hospital, 1990)
St Mary's Hospital (Internship Hospital, 1986)
University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Medical School, 1985)
University of Tennessee (Undergraduate School, 1981)
English
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Bariatric Surgery
General Surgery
Choosing a General Surgeon in Knoxville
Factors to consider when selecting a surgeon
Board certification and qualifications
- American Board of Surgery certification
- Additional specialized certifications
Experience and specialization
- Years of practice
- Subspecialties within general surgery
- Minimally invasive and robotic surgery expertise
Hospital affiliations
- University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
- Tennova Healthcare facilities
Patient reviews and ratings
- Star ratings on healthcare platforms
- Number of patient reviews
- Consistency of positive feedback
Resources for researching general surgeons in Knoxville
Online physician directories and rating websites
- Healthgrades
- Local hospital websites
- Tennessee Medical Association directory
Referrals from primary care physicians
- Seeking recommendations from trusted healthcare providers
- Discussing specific surgical needs with primary care doctor
Recommendations from friends and family
- Personal experiences and testimonials
- Word-of-mouth referrals in the Knoxville community
Top-Rated General Surgeons in Knoxville
Dr. John Bell
Qualifications and Experience
- Highest patient rating (5.0 stars) with 12 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
- Graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine in 1980
- Completed residency at University Alabama and fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Practice Information
- Affiliated with University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Specializes in general surgery
- Contact number: (865) 544-9218
Dr. James McLoughlin
Qualifications and Experience
- High patient rating (5.0 stars) with 10 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
- Graduated from Baylor University School of Medicine in 2005
Practice Information
- Affiliated with University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Specializes in general surgery
- Contact number: (865) 544-9218
Dr. Bruce Ramshaw
Qualifications and Experience
- Excellent patient rating (5.0 stars) with 28 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
- Graduated from University of Florida College of Medicine in 1989
- Completed residency at Georgia Baptist Hospital
Practice Information
- Affiliated with University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Specializes in general surgery
- Contact number: (865) 591-3393
Dr. Melissa Lapinska
Qualifications and Experience
- Excellent patient rating (5.0 stars) with 6 reviews
- Graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2005
- Completed residency at University Of Virginia Health System and fellowship at Case Western Res U/Univ Hosps Cleveland
Practice Information
- Affiliated with University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Specializes in general surgery, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery
- Contact number: (865) 305-9620
Dr. Reagan Bollig
Qualifications and Experience
- High patient rating (5.0 stars) with 5 reviews
- Board certified by the American Board of Surgery
- Graduated from University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine in 2007
- Completed residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and fellowship at University of Tennessee Medical Center
Practice Information
- Affiliated with University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Specializes in general surgery and critical care surgery
- Contact number: (865) 251-4658
Additional Considerations for Choosing a General Surgeon in Knoxville
Importance of communication and patient-doctor relationship
Scheduling an initial consultation
- Utilize provided contact information for top-rated surgeons
- Prepare questions about the surgeon's experience and approach
Evaluating communication style and comfort level
- Assess the surgeon's ability to explain complex procedures
- Consider the surgeon's willingness to address concerns and questions
Understanding insurance coverage and costs
Verifying in-network status with insurance provider
- Check hospital affiliations of preferred surgeons
- Confirm coverage for specific procedures and facilities
Discussing potential out-of-pocket expenses
- Inquire about consultation fees and follow-up care costs
- Ask about payment plans or financial assistance options if needed
Considering surgeon specializations and expertise
Reviewing subspecialties within general surgery
- Note surgeons with additional expertise (e.g., Dr. Lapinska's focus on minimally invasive and robotic surgery)
- Match surgeon's specialization to your specific surgical needs
Evaluating surgeon's experience with your specific procedure
- Ask about the number of similar procedures performed
- Inquire about success rates and potential complications