Cardiothoracic Surgery near Roanoke, VA

Biography: This physician is accepting telehealth visits. James J. Taylor, DO, FACOS joins the surgical staff of LewisGale Medical Center and the physician staff of LewisGale Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgery.Dr. Taylor graduated from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. He continued his education with an internship at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Saddlebrook, New Jersey, where he served as Chief Intern, and his residency in general surgery at Peninsula Hospital in Queens, New York where he served as Chief Resident in his field. He completed his cardiothoracic and vascular surgery fellowship at Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey. During his fellowship, he served as Chief Fellow in his field. Dr. Taylor is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. Dr. Taylor has been honored with numerous accolades for his patient care and service to the community including Texas Monthly Cardiac Super Doc, TOMA Community Service Award, America's Top Physicians for Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, and 417 Top Doctors for Cardiac and Vascular Surgery. In his spare time, Dr. Taylor has previously owned a fully-operational cattle ranch and collected John Deere tractors.

Biography: Cemil Purut, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with LewisGale Physicians in Salem, Virginia. Dr. Purut is a graduate of Duke University School of Medicine, where he also served as Chief Resident in Surgery and completed a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery. Prior to medical school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, graduating with highest honors from North Carolina State University. Dr. Purut is a veteran of the United States Army and has over 30 years of leadership experience in cardiothoracic medicine, including four years as the Medical Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at LewisGale Medical Center. Dr. Purut is board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and is an active member of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons. He is expertly skilled in performing open heart cardiac surgery, including heart bypass, aortic valve replacement, and mitral valve repair. Dr. Purut also treats patients needing carotid and coronary artery surgery, as well as pulmonary and peripheral vascular procedures. His care philosophy centers on putting his patients at ease and being actively involved in each phase of their treatment. When not seeing patients, Dr. Purut enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

Care Philosophy: I strive to always provide highest quality of care in a setting where patients can feel comfortable to share with me their concerns, needs, values and preferences. My role is to ensure patients are well informed of their medical situation so we may build their individualized care plan together.

Biography: Erica Duerbeck, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant providing cardiothoracic and vascular care to patients in Salem, VA. Ms. Duerbeck earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Medicine from the University of Lynchburg. Ms. Duerbeck is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Ms. Duerbeck has extensive clinical experience and is proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of acute and chronic cardiac, thoracic, and vascular conditions. Outside of the practice, she enjoys volunteering at blood drives with the American Red Cross and assisting with building houses for Habitat for Humanity. In her free time, she enjoys baking, exploring the Salem/Roanoke area including new hiking trails and playing with her dog.

Biography: Captain J. Pearce Beissinger, MS, PA-C, DiMM, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery with LewisGale Physicians in Salem, Virginia. Among many others, his expertise includes endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting, radial artery harvesting, and multiple critical care interventions. Beginning his healthcare career in the fields of emergency medicine and orthopedic surgery, Mr. Beissinger started practicing as a cardiothoracic surgical physician assistant while working at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, where he also served as a clinical instructor teaching physician assistant students. He most recently served as a cardiothoracic surgery and critical care physician assistant at Carilion Clinic. brMr. Beissinger earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Psychology from Florida State University. He completed post baccalaureate studies in pre-medical science at Yale University and earned a Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Arcadia University. He later earned a Diploma in Mountain Medicine from the University of New Mexico. Mr. Beissinger holds current certifications in Advanced Wilderness Life Support, Avalanche Level 1, and basic life support. brOutside of work, Mr. Beissinger is involved with church ministry and enjoys rowing, cycling, ice climbing, and mountaineering. While also serving as a captain in the Air Force-Virginia Air National Guard, he has dedicated decades of service to technical mountain rescue teams. His greatest adventure and most rewarding pursuit have been enjoying the blessings of his wife and two children.