AnorectalFistula near Fishersville, VA

Biography: David Bettinger, MD, is a general surgeon with Surgical Associates of Richmond. He was born in upstate New York and grew up in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and then continued with a Masters in Biology, receiving the Phi Sigma Research Scholarship and working as a graduate teaching assistant. During Dr. Bettinger's medical school tenure at VCU Health's Medical College of Virginia, he received the Carnation Scholarship, and was elected into Alpha Omega Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Sigma Chi Honorary Leadership Society, Sigma Zeta Honorary Science Society, and performed basic science research. Some of his research is represented by numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, and the Journal of Burn Care. Dr. Bettinger has presented before the Surgical Forum of the American College of Surgeons, the Virginia Academy of Science, the American Burn Association, and the Plastic Surgery Research Council. He was President of the Virginia Surgical Society in 2008. Dr. Bettinger is also a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, having served with the US Army Medical Units. When he joined SAR in 1996, he brought advanced laparoscopic training and ability, and he has been a proponent of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for acid reflux disease and laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Dr. Bettinger and his wife, Dr. Cynthia Bettinger, have three wonderful children. When not at work, he enjoys snow skiing, woodworking, and duck hunting.

Biography: Dr. D Michael Rose, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in North Chesterfield, VA. He is 60 years old and has been practicing for 34 years. Dr. D Michael Rose, MD is affiliated with Johnston-Willis Hospital and Chippenham Hospital.

Biography: Dominique Dempah, MD, is a general surgeon in Salem, Virginia, specializing in the minimally-invasive treatment of benign and malignant gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Dempah received his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, and completed his surgical residency at Saint John Hospital, in Detroit, Michigan. He did a surgical fellowship at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he trained in advanced gastrointestinal surgery including advanced laparoscopy, endoscopy, and hepatobiliary surgery. Most recently, Dr. Dempah gained advanced training at the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris in Paris, France. Prior to coming to Virginia, Dr. Dempah practiced as a general surgeon in Hazard, Kentucky. Dr. Dempah is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He has special interests in foregut surgery, pancreatic disease, and minimally-invasive, endoscopic, and robotic surgeries. He is fluent in French and in 1999 was the Ivory Coast Judo Junior National Champion. In his spare time, Dr. Dempah enjoys soccer, outdoor activities, and world cuisine.

Biography: Dr. Melissa Marinello, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in North Chesterfield, VA. She is 49 years old. Dr. Melissa Marinello, MD is affiliated with Johnston-Willis Hospital and Chippenham Hospital.

Care Philosophy: A good surgeon recognizes when surgery will not be the right answer for a patient's medical problem.