New surgeon joins local practice

August 19, 2010

Triangle East Surgery is growing its practice.

Jeri Dickinson, M.D., a native of Holcomb, Kan., is joining the general surgery group, which includes Drs. Dennis S. Koffer, James B. Collins III and Thomas W. Powell.

Dr. Dickinson recently completed her residency in general surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. In 2001, she graduated cum laude with bachelors of arts and science degrees from Kansas State University in Manhattan. She earned her medical degree in 2005 from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita.

Throughout high school, Dickinson excelled in the sciences, particularly biology. But it was a knee injury during a basketball game that led to her interest in medicine. The surgeon who repaired her torn ligament showed her the anatomy of a knee and explained how he would fix it. She was hooked.

“I love caring for patients and their families,” Dickinson says. “I think it’s important that surgeons take extra time to explain to patients what they can expect. Patients need to feel comfortable with their decisions.”

As a general surgeon, Dickinson is trained to operate on every part of the body, except the brain and the bones. During her residency, she gained valuable experience in doing advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Dickinson and her husband, Jason Ball, live in Clayton. She has since given up basketball, she says, but the couple still enjoys outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.

To schedule an appointment, call the Smithfield office at 919-934-5441 or the Clayton office at 919-550-2829.