Introducing Josh Hamilton, MD, MPH, FACS

We are excited to welcome Dr. Josh Hamilton to the Premier Surgical team! Dr. Hamilton is a general & breast surgeon with Premier Surgical Associates in North Knoxville, TN. His primary clinical interest is the treatment of breast cancer. In addition to his expertise in breast cancer care, he has extensive experience in general surgery, including hernia repairs and gallbladder disease, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recoveries. Check out the video and interview below to learn more about Dr. Hamilton and his approach to patient care.

Tell us about the type of conditions you treat.
On the general surgery side of what I do, these are going to be some of the most common reasons why somebody would need to see a surgeon. That includes things like abdominal wall hernias, for instance, of the belly button or in the groins and then gallbladder disease, lumps and bumps, skin lesions, and skin cancers. On the breast surgery side of what I do, it’s going to be primarily breast cancer, but also many benign breast diseases as well. 

What do you find rewarding about treating breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a special focus of what I do. It’s evolved over the years as I’ve done more and more of it and it’s become a bigger part of my practice. I really enjoy this part of my practice, for several reasons. One, it’s a unique way of interacting with patients. You develop a long-term relationship with patients. You are really helping them out through a particularly difficult part of their lives. Nobody likes to get a diagnosis like this, but if I can provide some comfort and reassurance and help them come up with a treatment plan that will work, that’s very rewarding for me. Also, it’s an area of medicine that’s constantly evolving. We’re constantly changing how we treat these patients with technology that is improving. That’s an exciting part of it as well. 

Tell us about your educational background.
I did my medical school training at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, TX, and I’m from Texas originally. I did my residency training in Phoenix, AZ. I went back to Texas and practiced for several years, and also practiced in Arizona before coming here. 

What is your care philosophy?
My philosophy of care starts in the operating room, where I’m primarily focused on patient safety. Patient safety in the O.R. is a team effort. There are many people involved in someone’s health care there, but the surgeon is the team leader and sets the example. I want to make sure that patients are safe and well cared for at all times so that they have good outcomes. 

In the clinic I have two focuses. The first is on patient education. I think a well-informed patient is a patient who’s satisfied with their care. One of the nicest compliments that I can receive in the office is when patients tell me that they understand completely, what’s going on with them and what we’re going to do about it, or when they have a list of questions that they’ve written down before the appointment, and they look at it and say, “Actually, you’ve already answered all of these”. That’s really a nice feeling for me when patients tell me that. 

The second focus is, I have a master’s in public health. So, I view what I do within the lens of the larger health care system. And, in that sense, I’m focused on evidence-based care that’s efficient, effective and beneficial, while at the same time thinking about costs and impact to the patient.

What do you do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I have a wife, a son and a dog, and we like to spend time around the house. I like to cook.  We like to watch movies. Listening to music is a big part of our household, whether it’s going to concerts or helping my son with piano lessons. I also like to hike as well and get outdoors.

Why did you choose Premier Surgical Associates?
I was really excited about this opportunity to join Premier Surgical. First, it’s a really great group, great surgeons, great quality care across the entire greater Knoxville area. I knew a little bit about Knoxville. I’d been here several times to visit a good friend of mine, and so when this opportunity came up, I was really excited about the possibility of moving here.

Dr. Hamilton is now accepting new patients. To request an appointment with him, call Premier Surgical North Knoxville at (865) 938-8121 or visit his webpage to learn more.