Michael Reopelle, MD, joined the PeaceHealth general surgery department in 2022. He practices at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and at PeaceHealth United General Medical Center in Sedro-Woolley. Dr. Reopelle is certified by the American Board of Surgery and received his medical degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. He completed additional surgical training at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. His practice areas include surgical repair of hiatal and abdominal wall hernias, trauma and colorectal surgery. Before PeaceHealth, he worked as a surgeon at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, as a clinical assistant professor, and as a combat medic in the Army National Guard. He’s interested in advanced, minimally invasive laparoscopy, enhanced recovery after surgery and trauma systems in rural settings. On his choice of surgery, Dr. Reopelle says, “I chose surgery as it provides me with the opportunity to effect immediate change in a patient’s life. Furthermore, being present for patients during times of potential vulnerability and helping guide them through their experiences is something I find fulfilling.” Away from the operating room, he likes trail running, spending time with family and reading.