Samuel Skovgaard, MD

About Me and My Practice

What led you to pursue a career as a general surgeon?
I was drawn to surgery early in my medical training. I find that surgeons can often offer definitive fixes to people’s problems, which is very personally rewarding to me.

How can you serve Olympic Medical Center and its patients?
My surgical residency training was at a very busy Level I trauma center in Tucson, Arizona where I trained in cutting-edge approaches to dealing with life-threatening injuries. I also trained extensively in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

What do you find most rewarding about working with patients?
I really like seeing my patients overcome their illness and get back to their normal lives.

What can patients expect from an appointment?
I will have you explain your problem to me and how it’s interfering with your ability to do the things you want to do. I’ll then ask you more specific questions to help me figure out a diagnosis and perform a physical exam. Then, I’ll explain what I think is going on (and often draw you a picture) and what the next steps will be.

What do you find most interesting about the discipline of general surgery?
The decision on whether to operate, when to operate, and what surgery to perform involves a lot of strategic thinking. Sometimes there are several good ways to go about resolving an illness, and I like thinking through and choosing the plan that best fits someone’s individual circumstances and preferences.

What is an aspect of general surgery that most people don’t know?
Often, surgeons will pursue treatment plans which don’t include performing surgery. Even though I love to operate, when I can successfully get someone through an illness without going through the ordeal of a surgery, that’s a big win.

What drew you to the Olympic Peninsula?
The Olympic Peninsula is so beautiful with both the mountains and the water. I love having so many opportunities for outdoor adventure right in my back yard.

How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I spend my time getting outdoors with my wife, Chelsea, and dog, Henry. I love to rock climb, road bike, camp, hike/backpack, whitewater raft, ski and snowboard.

What is a fact your patients might be surprised to learn about you?
I make a pretty decent New York style pizza from scratch, and am a chicken wing enthusiast.

Conditions Treated
Hernias: inguinal, ventral, umbilical, hiatal, incisional; gallbladder issues: gallstones, cholecystitis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, bowel obstructions, abscesses, cutaneous cysts/lesions, breast cancer, skin cancer (melanomas), trauma, vascular access (implanted central line ports)

Special Procedures Performed

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair, Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair/Nissen Fundoplication, Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair, Minimally Invasive Surgery