Dr. J. Barry McKernan, MD, FACS

Dr. J. Barry McKernan, MD, FACS, is a true pioneer in the development of laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive general surgery. Dr. McKernan performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) in the United States in 1988.

He continues to work in the field to develop advanced laparoscopic techniques for treating hernias, ulcers, colon disease, splenic and renal malignancies, liver, adrenal and pancreatic tumors. As a practicing surgeon, he uses incisionless surgical techniques for reflux and obesity, as well as laparoscopic treatments for adjustable gastric band, gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries.

Along with his medical degree, Dr. McKernan holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology, a master’s degree in biochemical physiology. He is the co-editor of the widely used medical textbook Principles of Laparoscopic Surgery and has been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals including:

• The American Surgeon
• Southern Medical Journal
• Japanese Surgical Journal
• Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia
• Surgical Clinics of North American and Surgical Rounds
• Current Surgical Therapy

In addition to teaching surgical techniques and participating in the development of new surgical devices, Dr. McKernan maintains an active surgical practice as founder of the The Center for Videoscopic and Laser Surgery.