Dr. Melvin Elieson is a North Texas native who grew up in the Flower Mound area. He is a board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Elieson has served the surgical needs of adult patients since 2006. In addition to his practice, he has served as a clinical assistant professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock since 2012 and at the Texas Christian University School of Medicine in Fort Worth since 2019. His areas of special focus include laparoscopic and bariatric surgery, complex hernia repairs, diseases of the gallbladder, anti-reflux surgery, surgery of the colon/stomach/ intestine and surgery of the solid organs of the abdomen. Dr. Elieson earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Following medical school, he completed the general surgery residency program at UTMB in Galveston before completing a year of fellowship training in advanced laparoscopic surgery at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Institute in Baton Rouge, La. Dr. Elieson is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Foregut Society and Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.Dr. Elieson is married with three sons and a daughter who share his passion for the outdoors. He enjoys kite boarding and snow skiing and staying active within his church. Dr. Elieson is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrectomy.

Dr. Prakash Gatta's passion for advancing automation in surgery through robotics and digitally enhanced surgical care led him to a career in 2007 as a board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in foregut/esophageal, gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery. Since that time, he has held numerous clinical faculty positions, including within the University of Cincinnati and the University of Washington, and served on several committees in exploration of new frontiers in minimally invasive GI surgery.For the American Foregut Society, Dr. Gatta acted as chair of the Robotics & Co-Chair of the Advocacy Committees. He has also served on the Digital Surgery, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Committees for the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons as well as the co-inventor of a single port laparoscopic access tool used to promote less invasive GI surgeries.Dr. Gatta earned his medical degree in Mumbai, India, before setting down roots in the United States. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, where he served as chief resident of his class. He completed his esophageal, gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgery fellowship at The Oregon Clinic in Portland under the mentorship of Dr. Lee Swanstrom an internationally recognized Esophageal Surgeon.Beyond the technological aspects of surgery, Dr. Gatta's areas of clinical focus include Oncology of the upper foregut (Esophageal & Gastric Cancer), the treatment of GERD, hiatal/paraesophageal hernia and Esophageal motility disorders such as Achalasia.When not with his patients, he provides charity care locally and internationally in India. In his free time he enjoys traveling with his family, cycling, painting and cheering on his Seattle Seahawks. Dr. Gatta is fluent in English, Hindi, Telugu, and Arabic. Dr. Gatta is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Hiatal Hernia, Hernia, Endoscopy, and Hernia Surgery.

Paul Gray is a General Surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Gray is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Femoral Hernia, Hernia Surgery, and Parathyroidectomy.

Dr. Winston Chan is a double board-certified General Surgeon and Colon and Rectal Surgeon with additional certification and training in the use of the Da Vinci Xi robotic system for minimally invasive surgeries. He is an accomplished surgeon with extensive experience in both university-based teaching and clinical robotics proctoring.Dr. Chan earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and his colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Chan's passion lies in using the latest advanced medical technology, such as robotics and laparoscopy, in combination with his own surgical dexterity to treat complex diseases through small incisions to promote patient comfort and outcomes. His surgical expertise includes treatment of gallbladder disease, hernias, colorectal cancer, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, anorectal disease, reflux disorders, and soft tissue conditions. Outside of work, he enjoys snowboarding, scuba diving, traveling and spending time with family.Dr. Chan is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and Tarrant County Medical Society. He speaks English and Mandarin. Dr. Chan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Gallbladder Disease, Bladder Reconstruction, and Endoscopy.

Dr. Kimberly Washington is fellowship-trained in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery with vast experience in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of liver, pancreas and biliary tract disorders. She uses a variety of techniques, including minimally invasive laparoscopy, endoscopy, ablation and robotic-assisted approaches, in the management of benign pancreatic masses, acute/chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cysts. She is also trained in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma and all liver metastatic diseases. Additionally, she treats benign diseases of the liver and biliary tract, including hepatic adenomas, liver hemangiomas, polycystic liver disease, simple and complex biliary stone disease, and bile duct injuries.Dr. Washington earned her medical degree and completed general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. She then served the Arlington, Texas community as a board-certified general surgeon from 2014 until 2020. In 2020, she returned to training in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.In addition to her dedication to the management of surgical disease, Dr. Washington has also served on a global scale, caring for patients in India, Peru, Guatemala and Kenya. She has and continues to serve on numerous regional and national committees to advance the treatment of hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases. Dr Washington has published peer-reviewed works on areas of special interest, including multi-disciplinary management of colorectal liver metastasis with node-negative primary disease and surgical management of breast cancer liver metastasis, presenting many of these published works at national and international meetings. Through her role as a faculty member with the TCU Burnett School of Medicine, Dr. Washington was recognized in 2024 with the Gachman Endowed Faculty Excellence Award. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, American Pancreatic Association, Association of Women Surgeons, International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Society of Surgical Oncology and Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. Dr. Washington is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Pancreatectomy, and Liver Embolization.

Lee Bloemendal is a General Surgeon in N Richland Hills, Texas. Dr. Bloemendal is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Hernia Surgery, and Small Bowel Resection.

Nabeel Shabout is a General Surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Shabout is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Cholecystitis, Gallbladder Disease, Hernia, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

Dr. Michael Bryan has been a trusted general surgeon and fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon in the Grapevine community since 2009. He performs laparoscopic and other minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal tumors, disorders of the bile duct and prostate, and a variety of acute and traumatic conditions. He has sat on and chaired numerous committees and boards to further surgical best practices and advocate for patients. He previously served as chief of the Department of Surgery at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB and currently serves as assistant medical director for the Texas Health Surgery Center in Bedford.Dr. Bryan earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque before going on to complete his fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Bryan is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Away from the office, he enjoys running and other fitness activities. He also may be found in the sky piloting his private plane. Dr. Bryan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

Dr. August Lyons began his surgical career in the Arlington area in 2004. In addition to being a board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Lyons serves as an associate professor of Medicine for Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. His clinical interests include surgical care for gastrointestinal cancers, bariatric and metabolic procedures, and plastic/reconstructive surgery following trauma. Dr. Lyons earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, where he was chief resident during his final year. Before he found his true passion in the medical field, Dr. Lyons’ early career ventures included serving as a science and editorial consultant for Nickelodeon TV in New York City and as a legislative aid on the Ways and Means Committee in Washington, D.C. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, Tarrant County Medical Society and Texas Medical Association. Dr. Lyons is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Juvenile Angiofibroma, Obesity, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.

A native of North Texas, Dr. Benjamin Bowers attended all of his undergraduate education in Arlington and completed his medical training at UT Southwestern Medical School. He is a board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in vascular surgery. His clinical interests include all aspects of general surgery, wound care, varicose veins, and dialysis access. Dr. Bowers has served the general and vascular surgical needs of the Arlington community since 1993. He earned his medical degree at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. He completed his general surgery residency and vascular surgery fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bowers is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He and his wife currently reside in Arlington. Dr. Bowers is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Hernia, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Hernia Surgery, and Ileostomy.

Stephen Cheng is a Transplant Surgeon and a General Surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Cheng is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hepatitis, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Liver Failure, Liver Transplant, and Kidney Transplant. Dr. Cheng is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez is a decorated veteran of the United States Navy, where he spent 24 years on active duty (1991-2018). As a junior officer, Dr. Rodriguez spent four and a half years in the nuclear Navy with most of that time as a division officer onboard the USS MARYLAND (SSBN 738) - a Trident class submarine in Kings Bay, GA. After completing his initial tour, he resigned his commission as a Lieutenant in submarine Navy to attend medical school (1995-1999) at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, NY.Following completion of medical school, Dr. Rodriguez went back on active duty in 1999. He spent five years at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD completing his residency in general surgery. From 2006-2008, Dr. Rodriguez performed his fellowship in trauma and surgical critical care at the University of Maryland-R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD.Throughout his military career, Dr. Rodriguez made numerous combat surgical deployments (2004, 2009, 2010, and 2014) to Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout his career, when not deployed or in fellowship training, Dr. Rodriguez was stationed at the National Naval Medical Center (renamed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 2011). From 2012 until his retirement in 2018, Dr. Rodriguez held numerous leadership positions including Trauma Medical Director and Chief of Emergency General Surgery.As the Trauma Medical Director for Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Dr. Rodriguez led a 60-member multidisciplinary team caring for over 750 Wounded Warriors injured while fighting in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.After retiring from the Navy, Dr. Rodriguez set down roots in Fort Worth in 2018. He joined Texas Health Physicians Group (THPG) in March of 2022. Prior to that, he was working at John Peter Smith Hospital as the Director of Emergency General Surgery and Surgical Research. Dr. Rodriguez is the Academic Vice Chair of Surgery and the Medical Director for Acute Care Surgery at Texas Health Fort Worth.Dr. Rodriguez holds board certification in general surgery and surgical critical care. Dr. Rodriguez also holds an MBA in healthcare administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He has published over 70 peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and has edited 2 textbooks. He remains active in publishing and in resident education. In addition to providing care of the acutely injured/surgically ill patient, his clinical areas of focus include abdominal wall reconstruction, complex hernia repair, and robotic assisted, minimally invasive surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST). Dr. Rodriguez is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Umbilical Hernia, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

Martha Wills is a General Surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Wills is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Appendectomy, and Lymphadenectomy.

Ashley Mekala is a General Surgeon in Keller, Texas. Dr. Mekala is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Cholecystitis, Ogilvie Syndrome, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.

Hyungmin Jung is a General Surgeon in Keller, Texas. Dr. Jung is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Cellulitis, and Gallbladder Disease.

Jay Patel is a General Surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Patel has been practicing medicine for over 18 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.

John Birbari is a General Surgeon in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Birbari is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Parathyroidectomy, and Gastrostomy.

Dr. Zihao Wu is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon with additional board certification in general surgery. Dr. Wu previously served for more than a decade as an associate professor in Clinical Surgery within the Department of Surgery at the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia. He specializes in treating anorectal disorders (hemorrhoids, anal fistula, anal fissure, anal warts etc), colon and rectal cancer, complicated diverticular disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, and rectal prolapse. He also offers screening and diagnostic colonoscopy. He performs advanced robotic and laparoscopic colon and rectal surgeries. Dr. Wu grew up in a small village in Southern China where his father was the only physician. His passion for caring for others came from watching his father at work. He earned his medical degree at Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences in China. He completed his general surgery residency at St. Agnes Healthcare in Baltimore, Md., before going on to complete his colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Saint Vincent Health Center in Erie, Pa. Dr. Wu is a member of the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. He is fluent in the Chinese Cantonese language. Dr. Wu is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, Hernia Surgery, and Ileostomy.

Dr. Avafia Dossa has been a board-certified general surgeon since 2018. He specializes in endoscopic, laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeries for patients of all ages. Dr. Dossa’s clinical interests include the surgical treatment of acute gastrointestinal conditions and trauma. He currently serves as an acute care surgeon and member of the teaching faculty at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. Since 2020, he has also served as a proctor for the da Vinci® Robotic Surgery system.Dr. Dossa earned his medical degree at the University of Toledo College of Medicine in Ohio. He completed his general surgery residency at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Dossa is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the Eastern Association of the Surgery of Trauma, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and Texas Medical Association. Away from the operating room, he enjoys traveling, playing tennis and cooking. Dr. Dossa speaks fluent French. Dr. Dossa is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Gastrointestinal Perforation, Retroperitoneal Inflammation, Colostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

Dr. Eddie Blay Jr. is board-certified in general surgery and surgical critical care with advanced training in trauma, burns, and emergency surgery. His additional areas of interest and focus include trauma resuscitation, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, chest wall reconstruction and hernia repair. Dr. Blay earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C. He then moved to Philadelphia, PA., to complete his general surgery residency at Temple University Hospital before heading to Nashville, TN., where he completed his acute care surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Upon completion of his training, Dr. Blay moved to St Louis, MO and practiced trauma surgery, surgical critical care and emergency general surgery. He relocated to North Texas in 2025. Dr. Blay is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Beyond the operating room, he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and partaking in basketball and soccer. Dr. Blay is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Umbilical Hernia, Omphalocele, Hernia, Carotid Artery Surgery, and Appendectomy.