Making the Best Choice for Your Surgical Care
November 2, 2025Categories: Blog, Garnet Health Doctors, Surgery
Tags: Blog
When you or someone you love faces the possibility of surgery, it’s natural to have questions and even a little hesitation. Surgery is a significant step and one that can greatly improve health, comfort and quality of life. Understanding when and why surgery may be necessary, and what to look for in a surgeon, helps you feel informed and confident in these decisions.
Why People Turn to Surgeons
Surgery can address a wide range of health needs, from repairing injuries to removing diseased tissue to improving physical function. Some procedures are planned, such as joint replacements or hernia repairs, while others arise unexpectedly due to sudden medical conditions.
For many people, the decision to undergo surgery is the desire to live without pain, regain mobility, or prevent future health complications. Regardless of the reason, choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon is one of the most important healthcare decisions a person can make.
The Benefits of Local Surgical Care
Having access to high-quality surgical services in your community offers significant advantages. It’s easier for family and friends to provide support before and after surgery, which can help with recovery. Local care also allows for better coordination between your surgeon, your primary care provider and specialists who already know your health history.
In addition, community hospitals and surgical centers often provide the same advanced technology and techniques found in large metropolitan systems, eliminating the need to travel far.
The Power of Choice: Selecting Your Surgeon
In nonemergency situations, patients can choose their surgeon. Exercising that choice ensures you feel comfortable and confident with the professional performing your procedure. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, review credentials and seek referrals from trusted providers or family members.
A strong patient-surgeon relationship is built on clear communication, trust and mutual understanding. Choosing a surgeon who listens carefully and explains options thoroughly can make the entire process less stressful and more empowering.
What to Look for in a Surgeon
Selecting the right surgeon involves more than reviewing credentials. Consider:
- Board certification and specialized training in the type of procedure you need.
- Experience and familiarity with both traditional and minimally invasive techniques.
- Communication, including how well the surgeon explains risks, benefits, and recovery expectations.
- Hospital affiliation and access to a comprehensive healthcare team.
- Reputation for quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.
A great surgeon not only possesses technical expertise but also demonstrates compassion, patience and respect for each patient’s goals and concerns.
Expert Surgical Care at Garnet Health
Across Sullivan and Orange counties, residents have access to a team of highly trained surgeons at Garnet Health Doctors. They are specialists who provide advanced surgical care across a variety of disciplines, including general, trauma, orthopedic, vascular, colon and rectal, minimally invasive surgery, and more.
These experts combine years of experience with cutting-edge techniques and technology, performing procedures designed to minimize pain, reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. Patients benefit from the convenience of comprehensive, coordinated care within the Garnet Health system, from pre-surgical evaluation to post-operative recovery and follow-up.
“Our community deserves access to advanced surgical care close to home,” said Aamir Gilani, MD, associate medical director, Garnet Health Doctors. “By bringing top surgical talent and technology to Garnet Health, we’re ensuring that patients receive the same level of excellence they’d find in any major medical center, right here in their own community.”
Garnet Health surgeons are part of the communities they serve, and they share a commitment to compassionate care, safety and excellence in every procedure.
Meet Our Surgical Team
The surgeons at Garnet Health Doctors are more than medical professionals; they are partners in your care. Working alongside nurses, anesthesiologists and rehabilitation specialists, they focus on delivering personalized treatment plans that meet the unique needs of each patient.
Their goal is simple: to help patients heal, restore their health and return to the activities they love most.
| Welcome the Newest Surgeon Garnet Health Doctors is excited to welcome Vanessa Hortian, DO, MS, LAc, CHSE, a board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeon in colon and rectal surgery who offers both open and minimally invasive surgical options. Dr. Hortian has extensive experience and is passionate about providing exceptional patient-centered care. Her addition to the team strengthens Garnet Health’s ability to expand access to advanced surgical services throughout the region. |
When surgery becomes part of your healthcare journey, knowing that expert care is available right here in your community can bring peace of mind. Garnet Health’s dedicated team of surgeons is proud to serve our neighbors with skill, compassion and a commitment to excellence.
Surgical services appointments at Garnet Health Doctors are available in Harris by calling (845) 333-8909, and in Middletown by calling (845) 333-7575.