Jonathan Blancaflor, MD, is a general surgeon who specializes in robotic surgery.
“I perform gallbladder surgery, colon surgery, and lung surgery, all with the surgical robot,” Dr. Blancaflor says. “I love the technical aspect of the surgery. The ability to use both of my hands and to make minimal incisions, leads to less tissue trauma and a faster recovery time. Patients usually don’t need any narcotic pain medications—or just a couple of doses.”
Because his father was a surgeon, Dr. Blancaflor says medicine was always a possible career for him, but that he kept an open mind. Ultimately, he says he likes to fix things, and surgery was the right path for him.
“I like to use my hands. In my spare time, I’m a welder, sculptor, and woodworker, which also help keep my surgical skills up to the task,” he says.
When it comes to reassuring patients who may be nervous about having surgery, Dr. Blancaflor says he tells them his entire focus is on their well-being and safety. “I assure them that I take care of them as a person; they are not simply a procedure to me,” he says.
