Dr. Charles A Harris, MD

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Dr. Charles Bissell joined Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in September 2003 after 13 years with US Navy. During his naval career he received his general surgery training at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He was also trained in advanced laparoscopic surgery at the University of Texas Houston Northwest Medical Center. He served as a flight surgeon with Carrier Air Wing Five in Japan as well as a tour as the base surgeon in Keflavik, Iceland. In addition to currently practicing general and advanced laparoscopic / minimally invasive surgery, he is the Section Chief of Surgery for Carilion's Western Region. He serves on CNRVMC's Board of Trustees and has been the President of the Medical Staff. He is also the hospital's Associate Medical Director for Quality and Patient Safety.Since joining Carilion, Dr. Bissell has been fortunate to meet and have the opportunity to care for his community in southwest Virginia as well as West Virginia. He uses a shared decision-making model in developing a treatment plan with his patients by first listening to his patient's history and symptoms, then educating about his or her disease. After this, he discusses treatment options including the benefits and risks. By doing this, a tailored a treatment plan can be developed, taking into account the individual's short-term as well as long-term goals. Dr. Bissell also believes in collaborative care. While he is the patient's surgeon, it is also important to obtain input from that person's other providers such as primary care, cardiologist, nephrologist or others. This is done so that together they can develop a treatment plan that optimizes the opportunity for success and minimizing risks.