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Integrity, Compassion, Commitment,

These values, along with extensive surgical knowledge, superb clinical judgment, and technical skills have become the trademark of Valley Surgical Specialists. We are dedicated to the practice of medicine as it should be practiced; with humanity and caring, qualities seemingly lost in today's highly competitive world. Our patients have the benefit of the combined knowledge and experience of a team of physicians all dedicated to providing the best care available. Valley Surgical Specialists provides a full spectrum of surgical services, including general, advanced laparoscopic, thoracoscopy, oncologic, and elective surgery. All of our surgeons are board certified and have received additional training in their areas of expertise.

Drs. Maruyama, Lee, Lawson, and Cunningham's special interest include abdominal and inguinal hernias, gastrointestinal, pancreatobiliary, thoracic and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Dr.
Bruce brings his expertise in the full spectrum of colon and rectal surgery. Drs. Gardikas and Gumina specialize in diseases of the breast and have expanded their practice, providing comprehensive care of venous diseases of the extremities, including spider vein cosmesis. Comprehensive thyroid and parathyroid surgeries are also
performed by the group.

Valley Surgical Specialists remains the premier surgical group in the San Joaquin Valley. Our surgeons continue to practice with a single conviction - the patient always comes first. Our office staff has been trained to assist the patients in all aspects of their surgical care, whether pre-operative or post-operative. Our surgeons have contacts with many of the major tertiary care university hospitals, and if deemed in the patients' best interest, expedient consultation and follow-up can be arranged.

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Why Are We Unique?

We are often told that we are unique, but we do not feel our style of practice should be unique. A medical practice should be dedicated to the needs of the patient rather than that of the physician. There should be a physician available 24 hours a day. Consultations should be readily available. Patients should be made to feel welcome rather than an intrusion. To meet these goals:

There are always at least two surgeons on call every day, weekends and holidays to address emergency consultations and questions promptly.

Our office staff has been instructed that caring for patients is Priority One. They will always try their best to accommodate your individual needs.

Although our surgeons perform most procedures equally well, there are special circumstances where one surgeon will have more expertise in a particular area. We therefore inter-refer to that surgeon if we feel that is in your best interest and is agreeable to you, the patient.

If we feel that you need referral to a tertiary care center, our contacts with most major university programs allows for expedient consultation and follow-up care.

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