a DiSeaSeD
gallbladder. A breast
tumor. An obstructed bowel. All of these
diverse conditions often require surgery
to treat them, and chances are the doctor
who is going to perform those operations
is a general surgeon.
What they do: General surgeons are
trained to diagnose and manage a wide
range of diseases and disorders that may
require surgical treatment. Their area of
expertise is, essentially, the entire body. It
includes:
The head and neck.
The endocrine system, including the
pancreas and thyroid gland.
Breasts.
All parts of the digestive tract, includ-
ing the intestines and rectum.
The abdominal organs, such as the
stomach and liver.
Skin and soft tissues.
General surgeons are also trained in
the care of pediatric and cancer patients
and the treatment of patients who are
injured or critically ill.
education and training
To become a general surgeon, a person
must complete four years of medical
school and then a five-year residency
in general surgery. If he or she wants to
further specialize, two or more years of
training are needed.
Some of the areas in which a general
surgeon can specialize include:
Surgical critical care.
Pediatric surgery.
End-of-life care.
Bariatric surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery.
A general surgeon may seek board
certification from an organization such as
the American Board of Surgery.
Certification is voluntary. To obtain
it, a surgeon must pass extensive writ-
ten and oral tests to show mastery in the
field.
When a surgeon is board-certified,
it means he or she has met the highest
standards for education, training and
knowledge.
Meet our general surgeons
What is a general surgeon?
St. elizabeth
Kevin L. Dean, MD
Medical school:
University of Texas
Health Science
Center, San Antonio
Residency:
University of
Missouri Kansas
City, Truman
Medical Center
Hobbies: Spending
time with his wife
and kids, riding dirt
bikes, plays drums
in local band 3CG (3
Car Garage).
S. Scott Kacy, MD
Medical school:
University of Texas
Medical Branch at
Galveston
Residency:
University of Texas
Medical Branch at
Galveston
Hobbies: Pilot,
committed to
helping those who
do not have access
to healthcare
through mission
trips to Mexico.
Dar Kavouspour, MD
Medical school:
Emory University
School of Medicine
Residency:
University of South
Florida Morsani
College of Medicine
Hobbies: His children
are a huge part
of his life. Enjoys
fitness, academics
and teaching at area
hospitals; getting
together with friends
to play cards.
Emmett R. Mackan,
MD
Medical school:
Texas A&M
University College of
Medicine
Residency: Scott &
White Clinic and
Hospital
Hobbies: Spends
most of his free time
with wife and kids,
active member of a
car club and owns
several antique
automobiles.
John T. Humble, MD
Medical school:
UT Southwestern
Medical School at
Dallas
Residency: East
Tennessee State
University
Hobbies: Enjoys
taking family
vacations and
working in his
garden.
Gaylon A. Gonzales,
MD
Medical school:
University of Texas
Medical Branch at
Galveston
Residency: Scott &
White Clinic and
Hospital
Hobbies: Enjoys
riding motorcycles.
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