Val Verde RMC | Keeping Well | Fall/Otoño 2017

Olutayo Sogunro, DO Terry Lindsey, MD Mark Manning, MD SHE’S OUR NEWEST GENERAL SURGEON T HERE’S something that might surprise you about Olutayo Sogunro, DO, a new surgeon at Val Verde Regional Medical Center. As skilled as she is, she doesn’t consider the operations she performs—and many are lifesaving—the most crucial part of caring for patients. “The communication beforehand is even more important,” she says. “I want my patients to really understand the surgery I’m doing, why I’m doing it and what to expect afterward,” she says. “That’s how I honor the trust of the people who turn to me.” This means you’ll never be rushed if you consult with Dr. Sogunro. If you have a concern, she’ll address it. And this may surprise you too: She often advises against surgery. For her, it’s only appropriate if an injury or illness can’t be managed in other ways—for example, with lifestyle changes and the right medicine. Still, when surgery is the best choice, chances are Dr. Sogunro can perform it. She covers the full breadth of general surgery, from gallbladder surgery and hernia repairs to appendectomies. And when appropriate, she performs minimally invasive surgeries, using tiny incisions that speed recovery. She accepts patients from age 12 to seniors in their 90s and beyond. And she specializes in colon surgery, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and breast cancer surgery. HELPING WOMEN WITH BREAST CONCERNS If you discover a breast lump or have breast pain—or any abnormality— Dr. Sogunro is here to help. Very likely, that abnormality isn’t cancer. But if it is, surgery is often the first treatment. And Dr. Sogunro performs both lumpectomies and mastectomies, including skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies. She says she finds it especially rewarding to be a nearby resource for women facing breast cancer. “I can spare women the need to go far away for surgical care,” she says. “This can make a breast cancer diagnosis much less disruptive.” SURGERY IS HER CALLING Dr. Sogunro arrives here from Ohio’s Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. She completed her surgical residency there. But that’s just one of many places she’s called home. She was born in Nigeria. But at 5, she moved with her family to Canada—and later to Connecticut. There’s no greater calling for her than helping people. She’s wanted to be a doctor since she was a young child. “This is what I was meant to do,” she says. “And because of the quality of care here, Val Verde is where I want to practice.” Give a warm welcome An opportunity Dr. Sogunro couldn’t resist Dr. Sogunro might have practiced anywhere. But she couldn’t pass up the chance to become part of a truly exceptional surgical team. She joins fellow general surgeons Terry Lindsey, MD , Chief of Surgery, and Mark Manning, MD . Both have deep roots in our community. Together, they have 65 years of experience as surgeons here— they’ve helped generations of area residents have healthier lives. Dr. Sogunro was impressed not only by their experience and expertise but also by their commitment to their patients. “When I first met them, they told me this was a small community and that our patients were our extended families.” Demos una cálida bie To make an appointment with Dr. Sogunro, call 830-282-0848. 4 Keeping Well/Mantenerse Sano