We at Premier Surgical Associates of Knoxville strive to provide excellent surgical care to our clients. We’re proud of our patient-centered and competent staff.
This month, we’re happy to welcome a new member of our general surgical team – Dr. Michael Antiporda of Premier Surgical at Fort Sanders Regional.
Let’s get to know him better:
How did you become a general surgeon?
“When I was a kid, I enjoyed reading about life sciences, especially plant and animal biology. This evolved into a deep interest in human biology and medicine as I grew up. When I was in high school and during my summers off in college, I worked as a surgical assistant at the downtown hospital in my hometown of Toledo, Ohio. It was a big thrill to scrub in and hold retractors for the surgeons doing major abdominal operations, and this eye-opening experience is what really sparked the interest that led to me pursuing a career as a gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgeon.”
What conditions do you treat?
“My residency training afforded me extensive experience in treating all general surgical conditions, while in my fellowship I focused on benign and malignant conditions of the esophagus and stomach. I therefore have particular expertise in treating GERD, hiatal hernias, achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders, gastroparesis, and esophageal and gastric cancer. Some of my other areas of interest include abdominal wall reconstruction, solid organ resection, gallbladder surgery, and colon surgery. I learned to manage all of these in the most minimally invasive fashion possible, whether that be using robotics, laparoscopy, or endoscopy.”
What’s your philosophy of care?
“Foremost for me is putting my patient first and treating him or her the same way I would treat a family member. I think surgeons will always do the right thing when they have that mindset. I think it’s critically important to ensure that patients understand what is happening to them now and what may happen after surgery, and what all their options are. I also try to find out what is important to patients about their care. For instance, I was raised Catholic, and when I have a patient who is religious, I think that part of the healing process should involve prayer and intercession.”
What else do you want patients to know about you?
“I am proud of my training background, as the surgeons who taught me about foregut surgery are renowned both nationally and internationally for their contributions to the field. I am honored to be able to bring this knowledge and experience to east Tennessee. I want my patients to know that I consider it a privilege to help them at a time in their life when they may feel most vulnerable.”
“When I’m not in the hospital, I spend as much time as possible with my wife. We are looking forward to welcoming our first child, a boy, in just a few months. I enjoy running and working out, reading non-fiction books, cooking, and craft beer and single barrel bourbon.”
Dr. Antiporda performs surgical procedures at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville and is now accepting new patients. To request an appointment, please call (865) 524-3695 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/fort-sanders-premier-appointment-request/.