Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center welcomes general surgeon Dr. David Vavra

Dr. David Vavra, a general surgeon, is thrilled to join Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center.

"I chose to join Essentia because my wife and I were hopeful to find a surgery position in rural Minnesota near family," said Dr. Vavra. "We've spent time in Brainerd before and loved the area. I really enjoyed my interview with the other surgeons and the administrative staff. They all seemed to take pride in what they do and there was a genuine desire to improve the care provided in the Brainerd Lakes area.”

Dr. Vavra earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He completed his general surgery residency at Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He completed his minimally invasive surgery residency at Gundersen Health in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and is certified by the American Board of Surgery.

“I’m passionate about metabolic and bariatric surgery,” said Dr. Vavra. “Obesity rates continue to rise and surgery is one of the best treatments for obesity and its related comorbidities. It is amazing to watch someone struggle with diabetes for many years and, 24 hours after surgery, they’re discharged without needing insulin or the anti-hyperglycemic medications they previously required. I’m inspired by the effort bariatric surgery patients put into improving their health. It is a joy to support them through this life-changing experience.”

To see Dr. Vavra’s full profile, please visit EssentiaHealth.org and click on “find a doctor.”