The 20 Best Diaphragmatic Hernia Doctors Near Me in Durham, NC

Find the Top Diaphragmatic Hernia Experts and Specialists

The 20 Best Diaphragmatic Hernia Doctors near Durham, NC

Last Updated: 02/22/2026

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MediFind found 11 doctor with experience in Diaphragmatic Hernia near Durham, NC. Of these, 9 are Experienced, 1 are Advanced and 1 are Distinguished.

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11 providers found
    Joseph W. Turek
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Pediatric Cardiology | Pediatrics
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Pediatric Cardiology | Pediatrics

    Duke Children's Health Center Cardiology Clinic

    2301 Erwin Rd, 
    Durham, NC 
     (2.3 miles away)
    Experience:
    6+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    I am the chief of pediatric heart surgery at Duke Health. Being a heart surgeon was always a dream of mine as a child. Spending a summer in medical school with legendary pediatric heart surgeon, Aldo Castaneda, cemented my desire to devote my life to this profession. Clinically, I love the creativity, complexity and challenge associated with my work. I am also able to satisfy my investigational curiosities through an active basic and clinical research laboratory focusing on congenital heart disease. I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to fulfill this dream back at Duke, a place that was so influential in my surgical training. Outside the hospital, I most enjoy spending time with my wife of 20+ years and three young children. We are an active family, always on the go… which mirrors my life at work. Dr. Turek is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Partial Atrioventricular Canal, Coarctation of the Aorta, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Heart Transplant, and Heart Valve Repair.

    Henry E. Rice
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia

    Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center

    2400 Pratt St, 
    Durham, NC 
     (2.3 miles away)
    Experience:
    38+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    As a general pediatric surgeon, I take care of children with many different conditions of the chest or abdomen. These conditions can include birth defects, cancers, injuries caused by accidents and more. I also serve as chief of the division of pediatric surgery at Duke. When a child needs surgical care, it is one of the most challenging times in a family’s life. We are surrounded by a great team at Duke, which gives families the peace of mind that their child is in the best hands possible. I enjoy my role, because I not only get to work with families during times of challenge and happiness, but with staff members who are dedicated to keeping children healthy. I also relish my role in training young surgeons who are dedicated to helping children grow up as healthy as possible. Dr. Rice is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hereditary Spherocytosis, Atresia of Small Intestine, Omphalocele, Splenectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

    Dana D. Portenier
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery

    Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center

    120 E Carver St, 
    Durham, NC 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Experience:
    27+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    The impact I have on my patients is what I enjoy most about being a weight loss surgeon. It is amazing that we can do an operation that not only helps a patient lose weight, but also fixes their diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with giving them a better quality of life. There are a lot of options these days for people who are considering weight loss surgery. It’s important for patients to take into account each institution and what resources they have available. Duke is fully equipped to take care of complex cases in a safe manner. We have a multi-institutional team that’s been around the Triangle the longest and has the most experience. Almost every patient comes back after surgery and we see some of their previous medical conditions go away. That’s a good definition of success. Dr. Portenier is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Hernia, Short Bowel Syndrome, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

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    Bradley S. Kushner
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery

    Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center

    120 E Carver St, 
    Durham, NC 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Experience:
    9+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English

    I specialize in treating patients with complex abdominal wall hernias and foregut conditions, such as acid reflux, hiatal hernias, and swallowing disorders. I am passionate about helping people return to the activities and quality of life they enjoy. By using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, I am able to repair complex problems in a way that often leads to less pain and a quicker recovery. I understand that surgery can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible. I believe in listening closely to each patient’s goals and working together to create a treatment plan that fits their needs and values. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and staying active on the golf course. I look forward to caring for you and your family. Dr. Kushner is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Choledocholithiasis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

    Jacob A. Greenberg
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery

    Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center

    120 E Carver St, 
    Durham, NC 
     (3.1 miles away)
    Experience:
    23+ years
    Languages Spoken:
    English, Spanish
    Offers Telehealth

    The majority of my practice focuses on abdominal wall surgery and the repair of ventral, incisional, and inguinal (groin) hernias. I chose to specialize in minimally invasive surgery because I saw the incredible benefits that these procedures provide for patients. By performing complex surgeries using either laparoscopic or robotic instruments, I am able to get patients back to their normal daily activities much faster and with significantly less pain. Whether I am repairing a hernia, performing surgery for weight loss, or helping to treat reflux, I will always try to offer a minimally invasive approach first and foremost. When I get the chance to meet you in the clinic we will discuss all of the possible treatment options for your condition and we will work as a team to pick which is the best choice for you. I feel incredibly fortunate to practice at Duke Health where we have incredible resources to take care of you no matter what problem you may have. I look forward to working with you and caring for you and your family. Dr. Greenberg is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Umbilical Hernia, Obesity, Gastric Bypass, and Endoscopy.

    Distinguished in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Pediatric Surgery
    Distinguished in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Pediatric Surgery

    UNC Hospitals Pulmonary Function Lab

    101 Manning Dr, 
    Chapel Hill, NC 
     (10.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Adesola Akinkuotu is a Pediatric Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Akinkuotu is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Appendicitis, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Diaphragmatic Hernia, Appendectomy, and Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

    Advanced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Gastroenterology
    Advanced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Gastroenterology

    University Of North Carolina Hospitals

    101 Manning Dr, 
    Chapel Hill, NC 
     (10.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Timothy Farrell is a Gastroenterologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Farrell is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hiatal Hernia, Hernia, Achalasia, Gastric Bypass, and Sleeve Gastrectomy.

    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Thoracic Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Thoracic Surgery

    University Of North Carolina Hospitals

    101 Manning Dr, 
    Chapel Hill, NC 
     (10.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Benjamin Haithcock is a Thoracic Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Haithcock is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, Lung Nodules, Lung Transplant, and Gastrostomy.

    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery

    University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

    101 Manning Dr, 
    Chapel Hill, NC 
     (10.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Maggie Hodges is a General Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Hodges is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. Her top areas of expertise are Hernia, Hiatal Hernia, Diaphragmatic Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, and Appendectomy. Dr. Hodges is currently accepting new patients.

    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Thoracic Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    Thoracic Surgery

    University Of North Carolina Hospitals

    101 Manning Dr, 
    Chapel Hill, NC 
     (10.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Offers Telehealth

    Jason Long is a Thoracic Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Long is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Esophageal Perforation, Thymectomy, and Endoscopy.

    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery
    Experienced in Diaphragmatic Hernia
    General Surgery
    101 Manning Dr, Dept Of Surgery, Cb# 7050, 
    Chapel Hill, NC 
     (10.6 miles away)
    Languages Spoken:
    English
    Accepting New Patients

    Michael Phillips is a General Surgeon in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Dr. Phillips is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Appendicitis, Pectus Excavatum, Hernia, Ileostomy, and Appendectomy. Dr. Phillips is currently accepting new patients.

    Showing 1-11 of 11

    Last Updated: 02/22/2026

    What is the definition of Diaphragmatic Hernia?

    A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between the chest and abdomen that helps you breathe. The abnormal opening allows part of the organs from the belly to move into the chest cavity near the lungs.

    When should I see a Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor near Durham, NC?

    There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

    • Your primary care provider recommends it. 
    • Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 
    • Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 
    • You need specialized testing or procedures. 
    • You want a second opinion.  

    What should I consider when choosing a Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor near Durham, NC?

    It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

    How does MediFind rank Diaphragmatic Hernia doctors near Durham, NC?

    MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

    What types of insurance are accepted by Diaphragmatic Hernia doctors near Durham, NC?

    Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

    How can I book an appointment online with a Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor near Durham, NC?

    MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor search results page. 

    Why is it important to get a second opinion from a different Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor?

    Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

    How can I prepare for my appointment with a Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor near Durham, NC?

    Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

    • Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 
    • Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 
    • Family history of disease 
    • List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 
    • Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  
    • List of questions and concerns 
    • Your insurance card 

    You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

    What questions should I ask my Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor?

    Here are some sample questions: 

    • Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 
    • What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 
    • What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 
    • Are there other specialists I need to see? 
    • What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

    How can I learn about the latest clinical trials and research advances my Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor may know about?

    MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

    MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

    Can I filter my search to show male or female Diaphragmatic Hernia doctors near Durham, NC?

    Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

    Can I filter my search to find a Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor that offers video calls?

    Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Diaphragmatic Hernia doctor search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

    Reviewed on: 11/11/24  

    By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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