We’re proud to have general surgeon Robert C. Ratcliff, MD, on staff full time at Middle Park Health – Granby Campus. With dual board certification in general surgery and colorectal surgery, Dr. Ratcliff brings our community local access to emergency and trauma procedures. He also covers bowel procedures, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, colonoscopy, appendectomy, laparoscopy, upper endoscopy, and thyroid biopsies.
About Dr. Ratcliff
Dr. Ratcliff grew up in Wyoming and attended medical school at the University of Utah College of Medicine in Salt Lake City and completed a General Surgery Residency in 1988 at the State University of New York –
Upstate. He also studied Colon and Rectal Surgery during a one-year fellowship at the Sansum Medical Clinic in Santa Barbara, California.
The Role of a General Surgeon
General surgeons perform procedures that involve opening or entering the body to identify or treat health problems. They work with a team of surgical technicians, nurses, and nurse anesthetists to ensure the patient’s health throughout the surgery. The doctor may recommend surgery for acute care or a chronic illness.
While working as a resident, a general surgeon explores everything about patient care during surgical procedures. They will learn both traditional and laparoscopic techniques, as well as endoscopy. These areas include the glands and hormones of the endocrine system, the heart and blood vessels, the neck and head, the soft tissue and skin, the abdominal organs, the digestive tract, and surgical management of critical illness, cancer, and traumatic injuries. The general surgeon guides the patient and their family members through every step of the procedure, from the first appointment through the recovery process.
Performing surgeries also require comprehensive knowledge of the body and its systems. A general surgeon must understand the body’s function and structure, blood circulation and wound healing processes, immunity, and infection.
Required Education for General Surgery
Like other doctors who provide surgery services, full-time general surgeon Dr. Ratcliff completed four years of medical school followed by a five-year surgical residency program. During each surgical residency year, responsibility for patient care and surgical skills increase. They also rotate through various specialty areas for up to 12 months.
After residency, general surgeons have seven years to pass the board certification exam from the American Board of Surgery. Board-certified surgeons can practice in the state where they are licensed. They can also enter a one-to-two-year fellowship program to pursue subspecialty training. In addition to the program Dr. Ratcliff completed in the colon and rectal surgery, surgeons can specialize in critical care, pediatrics, vascular surgery, hand surgery, oncology, and palliative care, along with many other areas.
When To See a General Surgeon
Common reasons to visit general surgeons such as Dr. Ratcliff at Middle Park Health include:
- A medical issue that requires acute care in an emergency surgery setting, such as trauma, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, hernias, bowel obstruction, or perforation
- Recommendation from another health care provider for a surgical consultation, often after more conservative treatments fail to resolve a health issue
- Consultation for an elective surgical procedure
Depending on the type of health coverage you have, you may be able to schedule an appointment directly with a general surgeon, or you may need a referral from your primary care provider. When your doctor is also with the Middle Park Health system, you’ll appreciate the streamlined care coordination you receive from our doctors, surgeons, and staff.
Some of the most common surgical procedures performed at Middle Park Health include appendectomies, hernia surgery, gallbladder removal, colonoscopy, and upper endoscopy
When To Visit a Colon and Rectal Surgeon
Surgeons who have completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery use medicine and surgery to treat and diagnose health problems affecting the anus, rectum, colon, and small intestine. They may also treat intestinal diseases that impact the urinary tract, liver, and female reproductive systems. Dr. Ratcliff can provide acute care for conditions such as:
- Polyps
- Colorectal cancer
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Bowel obstructions
- Incontinence
- Hemorrhoids
- Abscess in the groin or rectal area
- Unexplained, severe anal, rectal, or abdominal pain
- Black, tarry stools
- Fissures
- Diverticulitis
Your primary care physician may recommend visiting a colon and rectal surgeon if you have any of these conditions or experiencing symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, chronic constipation or diarrhea, or rectal bleeding.
You can also visit your colorectal surgeon for a colonoscopy. Most people should have this preventive colon cancer screening by age 50 and every ten years after that. However, some experts recommend a different schedule based on your risk factors, so talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have a colonoscopy. You may have an elevated risk for colon cancer if you have a family history of adenomas or colorectal cancer or a personal history of adenomas, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
What To Expect When You Have Surgery
First, Dr. Ratcliff conducts a thorough examination to ensure that surgery is the right choice for your health concern. He explains the details of the procedure and answers any questions you may have. He will tell you what to expect during recovery, such as whether you need to remain in the hospital and how long it will take you to return to your normal activities.
At the consultation, Dr. Ratcliff will schedule preoperative tests as needed. He also provides preoperative instructions, such as whether you should avoid eating, drinking, or taking any medications for a specific period before the procedure.
Many surgeries, particularly minimally invasive procedures, can be done in the outpatient setting. Often, you can return home the same day as long as you have a person designated to drive you home. Depending on the procedure, you may need admission to one of the Middle Park Health system hospitals for observation or recovery after surgery.
With the addition of these surgical specialties to our roster in Granby, Middle Park Health continues to fulfill our mission to bring you outstanding health care close to home. Construction continues on our brand-new hospital in Granby. The upgraded facility will have an 8,000-square-foot clinic with seven brand-new inpatient surgery rooms. If you live in the Grand County area, use our convenient search tool to contact Dr. Ratcliff.
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