IntestinalDiverticulitis near Galax, VA

Biography: Dr. Robert Rotche, MD is a Hematology Specialist who practices in Blacksburg, VA. He is 63 years old and has been practicing for 37 years. Dr. Robert Rotche, MD is affiliated with Lewisgale Hospital Pulaski and Lewisgale Hospital Montgomery.

Biography: Aaron Keller, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physicianwith LewisGale Physicians in Blacksburg. He is an attending physician at anacademic medicine clinic as part of the Family Medicine Residency Programaffiliated with LewisGale Hospital Montgomery. In this role, Dr. Keller supervisesresident physicians, training them to be the next generation of physicianleaders. Dr. Keller earned his medical degree at Lincoln MemorialUniversity - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residencytraining in family medicine with LewisGale Hospital Montgomery. Prior tomedical school, he earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Professions fromLincoln Memorial University and a Bachelor of Science in General Studies fromIndiana University Bloomington. Dr. Keller is board-certified by the American Board ofOsteopathic Family Medicine. He is skilled in osteopathic manipulativetreatment (OMT) and provides thoughtful, evidence-based primary care topatients of all ages. Dr. Keller welcomes new patients and referrals.

Biography: I was drawn to becoming a physician because a career in medicine offers the unique combination of science, problem-solving and helping others. I chose to focus on surgery because it can resolve illnesses. This is particularly true with bariatric (weight loss) surgery, which can cure or prevent complications from diseases like diabetes. Long-term studies have proven that bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable weight loss treatment, but each patient must be prepared to actively participate in a multidisciplinary program. This includes nutrition, behavioral and exercise counseling. Therefore, my team and I carefully screen each patient. Then we discuss your unique health situation and all the options with you so that we can make the best weight management decisions together. I have trained extensively to become a bariatric surgeon, including completing a fellowship in metabolic & bariatric surgery in 2022, after graduating from general surgery residency in 2021. However, learning is a lifelong journey, so I am continuously training in the latest techniques for minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic and bariatric surgery. I am certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Medicine and recognized as a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS). I serve as the metabolic & bariatric surgery director at Forsyth Medical Center and co-founded its bariatric program. In addition to bariatric surgery, I also perform minimally invasive general surgery such as hernia, appendix, gallbladder and colon surgeries. I am an active member of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and American College of Surgeons. During my general surgery residency, I was recognized as the surgery intern of the year in 2017, surgery resident of the year in 2018 and chief resident of the year in 2021. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, pickleball and traveling with my wife and our 2 daughters.