Best General Surgeons in Abilene

Introduction to General Surgery in Abilene

Overview of General Surgery

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 in Abilene, Texas, are trained to perform a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries to more complex open surgeries.

Common procedures performed by general surgeons in Abilene include appendectomies, hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and various types of biopsies. They also play a significant role in treating diseases of the digestive system, endocrine system, and soft tissue tumors.

Importance of Choosing the Right General Surgeon

Selecting the right general surgeon is a key factor in ensuring optimal patient outcomes and efficient recovery. The choice of surgeon can significantly influence the success of the procedure, the risk of complications, and the overall patient experience.

In Abilene, there are several highly rated general surgeons with diverse backgrounds and expertise. For instance, Dr. Rhett Lohman and Dr. Kelly Hyde both have board certifications and high patient ratings, indicating their proficiency and patient satisfaction. The experience and expertise of these surgeons can greatly impact the quality of care received.

Navigating the Doctor Selection Process in Abilene

Factors to Consider When Choosing a General Surgeon

Board Certifications and Qualifications

• Importance of board certifications in general surgery
• Examples from Abilene: Dr. Rhett Lohman (American Osteopathic Board of Surgery), Dr. Kelly Hyde and Dr. Erin Woller (American Board of Surgery)

Experience and Specializations

• Relevance of years in practice and specific areas of expertise
• Consideration of educational background (e.g., Dr. George Woodward's education at University of Texas Health Sciences Center)

Patient Reviews and Ratings

• Significance of patient feedback in decision-making
• Analysis of star ratings and review counts (e.g., Dr. Rhett Lohman's 5.0 rating with 12 reviews)

Resources for Finding General Surgeons in Abilene

Online Directories and Review Platforms

• Utilization of websites like Healthgrades for comprehensive information
• Importance of cross-referencing multiple sources

Referrals from Primary Care Physicians

• Value of personal recommendations from trusted healthcare providers
• Coordination of care between primary doctors and specialists

Local Medical Associations and Hospitals

• Contacting Abilene medical facilities for surgeon information
• Exploring professional memberships and hospital affiliations of surgeons

Top-Ranked General Surgeons in Abilene

Dr. Rhett Lohman

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certified by American Osteopathic Board of Surgery
• Graduated from Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007
• Highest patient rating of 5.0 stars with 12 reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (325) 670-4333
• Link to full profile on Healthgrades

Dr. Kelly Hyde

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certified by American Board of Surgery
• Graduated from University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 2006
• High patient rating of 4.6 stars with 18 reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (325) 670-4333
• Link to full profile on Healthgrades

Dr. Erin Woller

Qualifications and Expertise

• Board certified by American Board of Surgery
• Graduated from Texas Technical University
• High patient rating of 4.7 stars with 13 reviews

Contact Information

• Phone: (325) 670-4333
• Link to full profile on Healthgrades

Additional Highly Rated Surgeons

Dr. Jack Needham

• 5.0 star rating with 4 reviews
• Graduated from St. George's University School of Medicine in 2005

Dr. Branden Kret

• 5.0 star rating with 2 reviews
• Board certified by American Board of Surgery

Other Noteworthy Mentions

• Dr. George Woodward and Dr. Lashondria Camp also have perfect 5.0 star ratings

Additional Considerations for Selecting a General Surgeon

Gender Preferences and Availability

Notable female surgeons

• Dr. Erin Woller: 4.7 star rating with 13 reviews
• Dr. Lashondria Camp: 5.0 star rating with 2 reviews
• Dr. Kathryn Norton: 3.4 star rating with 10 reviews
• Dr. Susan Stafford: No rating available

Importance of personal comfort in doctor-patient relationship

• Discuss how gender preference may affect patient comfort
• Emphasize the importance of open communication

Language and Communication

Language options in Abilene

• All listed surgeons speak English
• No additional languages mentioned in the data

Significance of clear communication in surgical care

• Discuss the importance of understanding pre- and post-operative instructions
• Highlight the need for effective doctor-patient dialogue

Education and Certifications

Variety of educational backgrounds

• Surgeons trained at different institutions across Texas and beyond
• Examples: University of Texas, Texas Technical University, St. George's University

Board certifications

• American Board of Surgery certification for several doctors
• American Osteopathic Board of Surgery for Dr. Rhett Lohman
• Importance of board certification in ensuring quality care