. Dr. Lee is highly rated in 19 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Fibrolamellar Carcinoma, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatectomy, and Small Bowel Resection.

. Dr. Cutshall is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Thrombophlebitis, Bladder Reconstruction, and Hernia Surgery.

. Dr. Bulawa is highly rated in 10 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Ogilvie Syndrome, Cellulitis, Colostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

. Dr. Bridges is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Hemorrhoids, Lung Nodules, Hernia Surgery, and Small Bowel Resection.

. Dr. Stanski is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Intraductal Papilloma, and Lymphadenectomy.

. Dr. Hodge is highly rated in 20 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Cholecystitis, Colostomy, and Gastrostomy.

. Dr. Robertson is highly rated in 16 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Venous Insufficiency, Peripheral Artery Disease, Bladder Reconstruction, and Ureteroscopy.

Benjamin Scharfstein, MD, finds his greatest joy in witnessing the positive outcomes his patients achieve. “I love seeing my patients return after surgery, feeling much better and ready to get back to their lives and families,” he says. Inspired by his grandfather, an ophthalmologist, Dr. Scharfstein grew up in Johnson City and is thrilled to practice medicine and raise his family in the Appalachian Highlands. He has a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and community spirit of the region. Outside of his work, Dr. Scharfstein stays active in his church and enjoys spending time outdoors. Dr. Scharfstein is highly rated in 12 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

"Sidney Collins, MD, FACS, has a simple philosophy when it comes to treating patients, ""Faith, hope and love,"" he says. ""Everyone has a story to tell. If you listen closely and read between the lines, you can uncover it."" A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Collins spent 20 years in the United States Army before moving to the Appalachian Highlands to complete his general surgery residency. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Collins enjoys spending time with his kids. “Whatever they like to do is always fun for me.”". Dr. Collins is highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Varicose Veins, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), Familial Colorectal Cancer, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrostomy.

"G. Darby Pope, MD, FACS, developed an interest in medicine during his childhood while living overseas as the son of Christian missionaries. For him, medicine became a way to demonstrate God's love and compassion by helping those in need at their most vulnerable moments. ""The grace of God gave me the skill and opportunity to become a doctor,"" Dr. Pope says. ""I became a surgeon because I loved helping eliminate problems in patients' lives and seeing them return to a full life."" When Dr. Pope is not working, he enjoys coaching and playing sports, staying active in his church, and exploring the Appalachian Highlands with his wife and their 7 children.". Dr. Pope is highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Lung Nodules, Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.

Dr. Gray is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgery of the stomach, small bowel, gallbladder and hernias. He is passionate about bariatric and metabolic surgery – sometimes called “weight loss surgery” – and is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery to help his patients get back to living their lives quicker. Dr. Gray originally moved to East Tennessee to complete his general surgery residency at ETSU. After completing his advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University, he was excited to return to the area and bring his special skill set to East Tennessee. Dr. Gray is highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Cholecystitis, Gallbladder Disease, Hernia, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass.

. Dr. Lawson is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Intraductal Papilloma, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

. Dr. Vance is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Ogilvie Syndrome, Varicose Veins, Gastrostomy, and Hernia Surgery.

. Dr. Cobble is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Delirium, Vertebroplasty, and Bone Graft.

Dr. Oggero is available at Ballad Health Medical Associates General Surgery of Big Stone Gap on Tuesdays only. Dr. Oggero treats: at Holston Valley Medical Center. Dr. Oggero is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Hemorrhoidectomy, and Colostomy.

I grew up in North Carolina and went to college in Chattanooga, Tenn. After I completed my undergraduate degree, I moved to Johnson City and received my medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine where I also completed my residency and laboratory fellowship. My husband and I love this area and are still here after 19 years. We enjoy outdoor activities such as biking and waterskiing. The small town atmosphere of Northeast Tennessee has proven to be a safe and active place to raise our kids. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. I’ve had many mentors throughout my residency, but my greatest mentor is my father, who is also a surgeon. In medical school, I tried other specialties, but I realized there just wasn’t any specialty I enjoyed more than surgery. Meeting new and interesting people along with the professional interaction with my colleagues are some of the things I enjoy most about being a surgeon. My personal philosophy for treating patients is that physicians were put on earth to serve others. I believe God created us to be His hands and feet, which is a great privilege and responsibility. I listen closely to my patients because I find that they often will tell me their diagnosis before I even ask. My husband, Mark, is in long-term care administration. We have been married for 19 years and have three children, Abbie, Andrew, and Megan who are all in elementary school and keep us constantly busy. One of my favorite hobbies is playing racquetball. I also enjoy biking, waterskiing, reading and baking with my oldest daughter. I am involved in the children's ministries at my church, and I serve on the school board at Living Springs Christian Academy in Gray, TN. Dr. Defluiter is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Angiosarcoma, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

. Dr. Northrop is highly rated in 3 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Diverticular Disease, Varicose Veins, Hernia, Bladder Reconstruction, and Carotid Artery Surgery.

After growing up in Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, I decided that I wanted to practice in a small town in the mountains. I came to Johnson City for training and have loved this area since the day I arrived. I was attracted to surgery as a teenager, and I love the diversity of practice in general surgery. My interest in medicine was cultivated by various surgeons who took me under their wings as I was growing up. My personal philosophy for treating patients is that we must work together as patient and provider to improve their health. I also believe that it is equally important to take care of the heart, soul, mind and body. I am married to a pediatrician in Elizabethton, Rebecca Powers, and we have three daughters. We are members of First United Methodist Church. To relax, I love to fly remote control airplanes and helicopters. Dr. Digby is highly rated in 1 condition, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Cellulitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Gallbladder Disease, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

. Dr. Holt is highly rated in 5 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Hernia, Gallstones, Lymphadenectomy, and Hernia Surgery.

. Dr. Garrett is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Gallbladder Disease, Hernia, Hernia Surgery, and Hemorrhoidectomy.

As a board certified general surgeon through the American Board of Surgery, I offer compassionate care before, during and after surgery. I am fully trained in a wide variety of laparoscopic, robotic and open procedures and offer minimally invasive approaches when appropriate. Surgeries include but are not limited to; gallbladder removal, hernia repair, small and large bowel surgery, treatment for hemorrhoids, breast and thyroid. I also perform minor procedures in the office. Her top areas of expertise are Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, and Hernia.

. His top areas of expertise are Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Delirium, Chronic Subdural Hematoma, Subdural Hematoma, and Gastrostomy.

A memorable experience in the jungles of Nicaragua as a new college graduate and student missionary opened Dr. Jeremy Meyer’s eyes to the importance of the surgery skills he uses today. “I saw how much medical help was needed,” he recalled. “Machetes are used a lot for clearing the jungle, and a guy came in with a machete cut down to the bone. I remember helping clean and suture that, and I saw how surgery was a good fit for doing medical work in developing countries. “I desire to do more of that, so this was the big draw to go into surgery.” When he returned from missionary work, Dr. Meyer left Tennessee to attend medical school at Loma Linda University in California. After graduation, he was pleased to be accepted for a surgery residency at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine, his top choice. Now, as a general surgeon at Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton, Dr. Meyer loves the satisfaction of operating on patients and fixing their problems. “I am meeting my patients at a vulnerable time, so it’s easier to develop a deep relationship with them in a short time,” he said – and listening is an important part of that. “You have to allow patients time to talk, because you can pick up on things you have in common and make them feel more at ease,” he explained. “I also like to stop and ask if they have any questions when I’m explaining; I don’t just assume they understand. Some want all the details, and some just want an overview.” When he’s not doing surgery, Dr. Meyer, his wife and his children enjoy simple activities like walking in the neighborhood, camping in the fall and hiking. “Northeast Tennessee is an awesome place for trails and waterfalls,” he said. It is here that he first learned to play violin while growing up in Jonesborough, and it’s not uncommon to find him using that musical talent at his church today. Living close to his parents makes it easy for Dr. Meyer and his dad to continue their shared hobbies of mountain climbing and flying together, since both have their pilot’s license. Adventures and school have taken him around the world, but he’s happy to be home again. He’ll go on more foreign medical mission trips, but Northeast Tennessee is home. “I always wanted to come back,” he said. His top areas of expertise are Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Gallbladder Disease, Gastrostomy, and Endoscopy.

. His top areas of expertise are Ogilvie Syndrome, Peptic Ulcer, Gallbladder Disease, Gallstones, and Bladder Reconstruction.

"William Adams, MD, is a seasoned general surgeon who trained in Texas and Alabama and now serves the Appalachian Highlands. Inspired by the care his grandfather received, Dr. Adams chose surgery for the positive  impact it can have on a person’s life. With a family-centric approach, he prioritizes patient well-being. ""Finding a problem and then being able to fix it is what led me to become a surgeon,"" he says. ""I chose general surgery for its broad scope and wide variety of diagnoses and cases."" Outside of surgery, Dr. Adams cherishes family time, especially chasing after his young son, and enjoys being involved in the community.". His top areas of expertise are Necrotizing Fasciitis, Gallbladder Disease, Hernia, and Gallstones.