Best Laparoscopic Appendectomy Doctors in Winston Salem, NC

Dr. Lori Kellam, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. She is 64 years old and has been practicing for 34 years. Dr. Lori Kellam, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Medical Park Hospital.

My mother, who worked as a nurse, is the main reason I chose medicine. \n Growing up, I witnessed her dedication to patient care and how she made a tangible difference in their lives. Inspired by her example, I initially pursued a career in nursing. However, during a medical humanitarian mission to South America, I was deeply moved to witness physicians addressing complex medical challenges while bringing much-needed care to underserved communities. I decided then to take the leap and pursue medical school. \n That's where I discovered my passion for cardiothoracic surgery - a field that demands precision and relies on seamless teamwork. But it was the opportunity to extend and improve patients' lives through surgical innovation that most drew me to the discipline. Over time, this specialty has become not just my profession - but my calling. \n I enjoy the challenge cardiothoracic surgery presents; it's among the most technically demanding specialties in medicine. \n My areas of interest include minimally invasive surgery; aortic, mitral and tricuspid valve repair; thoracic aortic repair; atrial fibrillation; treating lung and esophageal cancer; coronary artery disease and more. I'm board-certified in general, as well as thoracic and cardiac, surgery. \n My goal is to provide the safest, most effective care possible while ensuring patients feel heard, respected and confident in the care they receive. I strive to treat every patient as I would a family member. That means being transparent, compassionate and committed to safety. \n That commitment is evidenced by my surgical outcomes being ranked among the top 5% of cardiac and thoracic surgeons nationwide. \n I'm a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (and was an early initiate), Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key International Honour Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons and others. I'm also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2013 while serving as an instructor in the University of Utah's physician assistant program. \n In addition, I'm a medical board reviewer for the state of North Carolina and serve as a clinical trial investigator, which places me at the forefront of cardiothoracic surgical advancements. \n My wonderful wife and I are proud parents of two amazing daughters. Family is at the heart of everything I do, and I cherish our time together, whether at home or on an adventure. \n I have a deep passion for music and love attending concerts and music festivals. I'm also an avid practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which keeps me physically active while also challenging me mentally. It teaches resilience, focus and humility. My hobbies provide balance and help me bring my best self to both my personal and professional roles.

Jennifer Christman, MD, offers surgery along with nonsurgical treatments to her patients. She is passionate about providing remarkable care to all her patients and helping them get back to living a healthy, active life.

Julio Reyes, MD, loves to see surgery make a radical change in a patient's life and formulate an intervention with measurable results. As a general surgeon, Dr. Reyes treats patients with a variety of conditions, but is especially interested in the treatment of hernias, biliary disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dr. Reyes is also passionate about minimally invasive surgery because of the benefit to patients, including less incisions and shorter recovery time. His goal is to provide remarkable care and getting patients back to their normal activities as quickly as possible. Outside of work, Dr. Reyes' family keeps him very busy. He and his wife spend most of their free time in after-school activities with their three children.

In the decade-plus that W. Scott Berger, MD, has been part of the medical field, he has built a very successful general surgery practice. He loves the variety of cases that general surgery provides but also likes the chance to delve deeper into certain types of surgeries. The areas Dr. Berger enjoys most are thyroid, parathyroid and gastric surgeries. Dr. Berger is dedicated to helping his patients find relief from disorders and discomforts so they can get back to a more enjoyable, active lifestyle. Outside of work, Dr. Berger enjoys staying active with his family. He plays soccer and coaches his children in soccer, baseball and softball.

Even in my early teens, I knew I wanted to be a physician. I was fascinated by anatomy, loved science and was precise at dissection. Surgery was definitely my calling. \n Being the child of first-generation immigrants meant several messages were ingrained in my siblings and me. Our parents expected us to work hard, finish what we started, push to succeed and never complain. \n I had a wonderful mentor during my residency who shared with me his surgical mantra: "Treat every patient like they are your mother." I took it to heart and adopted it as my mantra, too. I believe this wholeheartedly and continue to operate with this thought in mind. \n When it comes to robotic surgery, I was an early adopter. I have performed more than 1,500 robotic procedures. I even test other surgeons on their robotics skills once they have completed training. In my role as a robotic proctor, I travel the country and evaluate and "sign off" on surgeons who have completed robotics training. \n I have founded two bariatric centers and built them into established Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence (BSCOE). The BSCOE designation helps patients identify surgeons who provide the safest and most effective treatments. The robotic center in High Point I founded was awarded the first robotic epicenter in North Carolina by the Intuitive Surgical group in 2019. \n I'm a member of the American Board of Surgery and SAGES (Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons) and am a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. \n My hobbies include coaching and helping with my kids' travel sports, playing golf and tennis, cooking, painting and woodworking. I most enjoy traveling - and just hanging out - with my wife.

While an unforeseen surgical need is never wanted, Christopher Hunter, MD, is happy to be there for his patients should they have one. He chose to become a surgeon because it gave him the opportunity to help others. Dr. Hunter enjoys abdominal surgeries, but especially loves being able to help his patients during surgical emergencies. He is passionate about identifying patients' problems, fixing them and helping them feel better. Dr. Hunter is thrilled to have found a work home at Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates. Married with two young sons, Dr. Hunter stays busy outside of work spending time with his family being outdoors and exploring Winston-Salem together.