Ozarks Healthcare has added board-certified general surgeon Dr. Sneha Teressa to its surgical team.
Teressa, who holds advanced fellowship training in surgical critical care, brings extensive experience in minimally invasive, robotic and emergency surgery to the health system. She earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery before completing a Master of Science in general surgery. She later completed a general surgery residency at BronxCare Health System in New York and a surgical critical care fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital.
During her residency and fellowship, Teressa performed more than 200 major surgical procedures, including robotic and laparoscopic appendectomies, gallbladder removals, hernia repairs and bowel, thyroid and breast surgeries. She also received training using the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system and completed advanced rotations at institutions that include Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Westchester Medical Center.
“I’ve always been drawn to surgery because of the ability to quickly identify a problem and help patients feel better,” Teressa said. “Whether it’s treating appendicitis, gallbladder disease, hernias or other surgical conditions, it’s incredibly rewarding to see patients recover and return to their daily lives.”
Teressa noted she intentionally sought opportunities to practice in a rural community where she could serve patients who might otherwise have limited access to specialized care.
“When I visited Ozarks Healthcare, I immediately felt welcomed," she said. "The people, the community and the culture made me feel like this was a place where my family and I could truly belong.”
In her new role, Teressa provides comprehensive general surgery services and plans to continue expanding her expertise in breast surgery to improve care for women diagnosed with breast conditions. She joins a surgical team that includes general surgeons Dr. Le and Dr. Benalcazar.
Terence Farrell, president and CEO of Ozarks Healthcare, said Teressa's surgical training and passion for serving rural communities make her an excellent addition to the region.
“Her expertise with the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system further strengthens our ability to provide patients with leading-edge surgical options close to home,” Farrell said.
Outside of the operating room, Teressa enjoys gardening, cooking and traveling with her husband and their three daughters.
Teressa is currently accepting new patients at Ozarks Healthcare General Surgery. To schedule an appointment, call 417-256-1774 or visit www.ozarkshealthcare.com.
