At Premier Surgical Surgery Center in Knoxville, TN, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch care and ensuring our patients feel supported every step of the way. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Michael Dunning, a retired Patient Transporter from Parkwest Medical Center, who shared his experience with Dr. William C. Gibson, a general surgeon with Premier Surgical at Parkwest Medical Center. Dr. Gibson repaired Micheal’s hernia at Premier Surgical Surgery Center. Here is Michael’s story, detailing his journey from developing an umbilical hernia to his successful recovery post-surgery.
Tell us about your hernia and how it came about.
I worked as a Patient Transporter at Parkwest Medical Center for many years, and whenever a nurse or someone had a heavy patient that they needed help with or to lift, I always tried to help. I think what happened was, over those years, I had developed this hernia and didn’t even realize it at first. It wasn’t until I finally retired that, all of a sudden, I noticed it was just hanging out there. And, one day it raised and started to move or open up bigger. When I touched my stomach, it was like somebody had literally stabbed me. I thought, ‘I got to do something about this. I’ve got to make a phone call here and get this taken care of.’
What made you choose Dr. Gibson?
I’ve known Dr. Gibson for probably 15 years. I was very familiar with the Premier Surgical group. I saw how he dealt with his patients. Overall, he really cared for his patients. So, when this came up, there was no doubt in my mind who I was going to call to take care of this for me.
How was your experience with Premier Surgical Surgery Center?
It was a dream. Dr. Gibson told me that instead of doing the procedure at the hospital, they were going to do it at the Premier surgery center. Having worked at the hospital for so long, I knew some of the nurses and staff at the surgery center. Things could not have gone better. That group is so organized. When a patient comes in, you’ve got one nurse checking vials, you’ve got another nurse starting an IV, you have another nurse checking data, things about my background, medicine I might have been, and things like that. They were on top of it the whole way.
What was your recovery like?
Before Dr. Gibson did the procedure, he came over to me and explained everything. He told me that we were going to have to just give it a couple of weeks. Then, I would do a follow-up with him. I followed his advice during that two-week period. I didn’t lift anything heavy. I tried to be careful with moving and things like that, and it just went like clockwork for the healing process. It was just unbelievable. After that two-week period, when I went in to see him for the check-up, I had no pain at all. No issues whatsoever. I like to play golf, and I asked, ‘Can I go out and play golf?’ He said, ‘Yep. You’re doing fine.’
What would you tell people about your care with Dr. Gibson and Premier Surgical Center?
The doctors I’m familiar with there really listen to what the patients are telling them. They make you feel very confident and comfortable knowing that from beginning to end, going in for the procedure and then coming out, everything will be fine. I highly recommend them.
Michael Dunning’s experience with Premier Surgical Center in Knoxville, TN and Dr. William C. Gibson highlights the dedication and expertise our team brings to patient care. Our goal is to ensure that every patient feels confident and well-cared for throughout their treatment journey. If you or a loved one are facing a similar situation, we’re here to help.