Laparoscopic Umbilical or Ventral Hernia Repair near Charlotte, NC

Biography: Dr. Michael Melkonian, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 56 years old and has been practicing for 30 years. Dr. Michael Melkonian, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Some college classes are forgettable; others stick with you forever. For me, it was a genetics course that captured my interest and ultimately influenced my career path. I loved understanding how our genes make each of us who we are and how they can influence our health. Getting an overview of genetics in that class inspired me to pursue cancer research, attend medical school and eventually specialize in cancer surgery. \n Just like our genes are all unique, I know every persons health is as well. I treat each patient as I want to be treated. That starts with actively listening to their concerns. It continues with carefully considering and explaining their treatment options so they can make well-informed decisions about their health. I value patient feedback as well as feedback from other providers. I am proud to have been recognized by my peers as one of Charlottes top surgical specialists. \n Outside of work, family time is my top priority. My wife and I have two sons. Together, we love learning about other cultures and traveling whenever we get a chance.

Biography: Dr. Bryan Blitstein, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 57 years old and has been practicing for 28 years. Dr. Bryan Blitstein, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center.

Biography: As the son of a physician, I was introduced to the medical community early in life, and it gave me an inherent understanding of its demands and rewards. From a young age, I witnessed the dedication, empathy and resilience medicine requires. This fostered a deep respect for the profession and gave me valuable insights into the patient experience. My father set a wonderful example of how to be a good clinician and an excellent person, always treating people with compassion and kindness. \n Before medical school, I worked many years in wilderness leadership, where I had the opportunity to be the primary medical caregiver for my group of students. Wilderness medicine provided invaluable preparation for a surgical career by honing skills that are crucial in high-stakes environments. The unpredictable nature of the wilderness requires quick thinking, resourcefulness and adaptability - qualities that translate seamlessly to the operating room. I also learned to work with limited resources, which necessitated problem-solving and making important decisions under pressure, two other skills I still use daily. Additionally, I learned the importance of triage, emergency management and the ability to handle unforeseen complications with composure. I am grateful for my wilderness medicine experience during every patient encounter. \n Being a surgeon combines my passion for science with an ability to make a tangible, life-changing impact on individuals. The challenge of solving complex medical puzzles and the precision required in the operating room energize me. Each surgery presents a unique opportunity to restore health and improve quality of life for my patients, which is deeply rewarding. I pride myself on focusing not just on the surgical procedure, but also on the overall well-being of my patients, ensuring they receive personalized care tailored to their needs. \n I grew up in Charlotte and attended college and medical school in North Carolina as well. Before attending medical school, though, I took time to explore other parts of the United States as well as other careers. I've worked as a carpenter, teacher, guide and coach. I still love to travel, now with my wife and son. Seeing new places, being outdoors and eating good food are all things that offer me a reprieve from my work and allow me to return to my patients with renewed energy and perspective.

Biography: Dr. Nicholas Langan, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 41 years old. Dr. Nicholas Langan, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Kristin Wagner, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 55 years old and has been practicing for 29 years. Dr. Kristin Wagner, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Dr. Rohit Bhasin, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 53 years old and has been practicing for 26 years. Dr. Rohit Bhasin, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center.

Biography: I am one of only a few Charlotte surgeons whose medical training includes a dual fellowship in hepatobiliary (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). This means I focus on care for individuals with liver, pancreas, biliary, stomach, neuroendocrine, sarcomas, ovarian and peritoneal disease. These areas of medicine focus on less common tumors that can have a dramatic impact on a patient's quality of life and well-being. That is why I have dedicated my career to caring for patients who need a specialist with expertise in treating these diseases, and I truly enjoy being of service. \n At Novant Health, I lead more than a dozen physicians in the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary group as well as the hepatobiliary multidisciplinary conference, which promotes best practices for treating patients who have liver, pancreas and bile duct disorders. I also serve on a committee that selects novel therapies to study through Novant Health Cancer Institute clinical trials. All of this, combined with my membership in the American Board of Surgery and the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, keeps me connected to the latest treatments and research. \n I take a patient-centered, hands-on approach when caring for patients. You also will have access to the expertise of a team of other skilled and experienced providers who are well-versed in your medical history and will help manage your treatment. I am committed to developing techniques that help patients recover faster and see better outcomes. This can include minimally invasive laparoscopic and/or robotic surgery, as well as help with food choices, pain control and therapy before, during and after surgery. \n Communication, both to my patients and their loved ones, is important to me. I want my patients to be informed and empowered to make decisions about their care. \n In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. I am married and have two children.

Biography: Dr. Manthan Makadia, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 38 years old and has been practicing for 14 years. Dr. Manthan Makadia, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Medical care starts with caring for people. That's always been my philosophy, and why I work every day to put the people before the medicine. Regardless of what a patient's need is, I want to walk them through the whole process: establishing a plan, getting the care needed and seeing them through the time of healing. \n I have been a proud member of the Novant Health surgical team for years. During my time as a team member, as well as during my time as the chief of surgery at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (formerly Presbyterian Hospital), I have seen the Charlotte community grow and change, and I have stayed committed to serving it at every stage. \n When I am not working, I love spending time with my wife, sons and extended family. I enjoy running, playing chess and finding a great hiking trail.

Biography: Dr. Iyore James, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. She is 45 years old and has been practicing for 19 years. Dr. Iyore James, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Outpatient Surgery.

Biography: Dr. Louis Zbinden III, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 61 years old and has been practicing for 35 years. Dr. Louis Zbinden III, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center.