LaparoscopicInguinalHerniaRepair near Roanoke, VA

Biography: 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.

Biography: I was drawn to becoming a physician because a career in medicine offers the unique combination of science, problem-solving and helping others. I chose to focus on surgery because it can resolve illnesses. This is particularly true with bariatric (weight loss) surgery, which can cure or prevent complications from diseases like diabetes. Long-term studies have proven that bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable weight loss treatment, but each patient must be prepared to actively participate in a multidisciplinary program. This includes nutrition, behavioral and exercise counseling. Therefore, my team and I carefully screen each patient. Then we discuss your unique health situation and all the options with you so that we can make the best weight management decisions together. I have trained extensively to become a bariatric surgeon, including completing a fellowship in metabolic & bariatric surgery in 2022, after graduating from general surgery residency in 2021. However, learning is a lifelong journey, so I am continuously training in the latest techniques for minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic and bariatric surgery. I am certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Medicine and recognized as a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS). I serve as the metabolic & bariatric surgery director at Forsyth Medical Center and co-founded its bariatric program. In addition to bariatric surgery, I also perform minimally invasive general surgery such as hernia, appendix, gallbladder and colon surgeries. I am an active member of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and American College of Surgeons. During my general surgery residency, I was recognized as the surgery intern of the year in 2017, surgery resident of the year in 2018 and chief resident of the year in 2021. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, pickleball and traveling with my wife and our 2 daughters.

Care Philosophy: A good surgeon recognizes when surgery will not be the right answer for a patient's medical problem.

Biography: Dr. Claudiu Cimpean, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Thomasville, NC. He is 57 years old and has been practicing for 32 years. Dr. Claudiu Cimpean, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center.

Biography: I first developed an interest in medicine when I was in high school because I had a lot of sports-related injuries, which required surgery. When I observed how the surgical team, nursing staff, and physical therapist took care of me through my long rehabilitation, I immediately knew I wanted to become a doctor and help others in the same way. I grew up doing carpentry, home remodeling, and other woodworking, which made surgery the obvious choice for specialty once I began medical school. I was drawn to surgery because I love working with my hands, problem-solving, the evolving technology of surgery, and the ability to fix something that is broken. As a general surgeon, it is my duty to stay up to date with the most current technological advances in order to provide my patients with the best possible care. Through the extensive robotic and complex laparoscopic surgery techniques that I learned during my residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, I can offer my patients minimally invasive surgical options, which result in less pain and a quicker and smoother recovery.\n During my training and career, I have been awarded the administrative chief resident position and Wendell M. Levi Jr MD Award for Surgical Leadership. I have also been honored as an ESPN Academic All-American Nominee while I was playing Quarterback at Catawba College during my undergraduate years. In my free time, I am a family man first and foremost.\n I enjoy spending time with my wife, Faith, and my 3 young children Madelyn, Charlotte, and Miller. Our children keep us quite busy with swimming, gymnastics, and soccer practices. As a native of Durham, I am an avid Duke fan. I also enjoy supporting Catawba College in nearby Salisbury, where I played football as an undergrad. My family and I love the beach, especially Charleston, SC where we spent 5 years during my residency training.

Biography: This physician is accepting telehealth visits. Amanda Reese, DO, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon in Blacksburg, Virginia. She is a member of the physician staff of LewisGale Physicians and the active medical staff of LewisGale Hospital Montgomery.Dr. Reese earned her medical degree from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia. She continued her education with her residency in general surgery at Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine. During her residency, Dr. Reese served as administrative chief resident in her program and also received the Robert E. Berry Award, which is the highest honor bestowed upon surgery residents.Dr. Reese is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is an active Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Immediately prior to joining LewisGale Physicians, Dr. Reese has been practicing in Bluefield, Virginia and West Virginia, specializing in robotic and laparoscopic operations including single site cholecystectomy, inguinal and ventral hernia repair, colectomy, anti-reflux surgery, and surgical endoscopy. Dr. Reese has been married to her husband for more than twelve years and is mom to two daughters, both competitive swimmers.

Biography: Dr. Mark Smith II, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Thomasville, NC. He is 60 years old and has been practicing for 32 years. Dr. Mark Smith II, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center.