Charleston, S.C./Sept. 15, 2015 - Michael Michel, M.D., has joined Coastal Carolina Bariatric Center (CCBC), at 109 Burton Ave., Suite E, in Summerville. He specializes in general surgery and will focus on the LINX Reflux Management System, a highly effective surgical treatment for gastric reflux disease.
"I joined Coastal Carolina Bariatric Center because the team has a very similar patient care and surgical philosophy as my own - patients are treated like family," said Dr. Michel. "Trident Health is in a position to impact a lot of patients, in a lot of good ways."
Dr. Michel earned his medical doctorate degree from the University of Miami, Fla., and completed his residency at Orlando Regional Healthcare and Keesler Medical Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. In addition, he completed his fellowship in minimally-invasive and bariatric surgery at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital. Before becoming a surgeon, he served seven years as a U.S. Air Force Pararescueman (PJ), including time in Operation Desert Storm. After residency, he returned to Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he served as the only general and trauma surgeon on a Special Forces medical team. His service in 2012 led him to receive the Bronze Star Medal, among other distinguished military honors.
The LINX Reflux Management System is a flexible ring of small magnets placed around the lower esophagus during a minimally-invasive procedure. The strength of the magnets helps keep the weak lower esophagus closed to prevent reflux. When a patient swallows, LINX opens temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach. The procedure requires no alteration to the stomach, reduces gas and bloating and preserves the ability to belch and vomit. After the procedure, patients typically go home within 24 hours and resume a normal diet.
A board certified physician, Dr. Michel is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He resides with his wife, Julie, and newborn, Ava, in Summerville.
CCBC is Summerville Medical Center's nationally accredited weight-loss surgery program. Earlier this year, the practice earned national distinction as a comprehensive Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for their work to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients. In 2015, the Hospital Corporation of American also recognized CCBC among more than 1,350 practices within HCA as the number one physician services practice in patient satisfaction for four consecutive years. Dr. Michel joins Dr. Neil McDevitt and the staff at CCBC, who provide a personable, patient-centered and compassionate approach to patient care. The office welcomes patients throughout the Lowcountry, including Charleston, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Bluffton, Savannah, Columbia and the Midlands. For more information, call (843) 875-8994 or visit ccbariatriccenter.com.