Robert A. Garwood, M.D.

Medical Director of General and Bariatric Surgery, Sentara RMH Medical Center
Medical Director for Sentara RMH Medical Group Surgical Services
Chief of Surgery, Sentara RMH Medical Center

After earning his medical degree at the Penn State Milton Hershey School of Medicine, Dr. Garwood completed his surgical residency training at the University of Virginia. During his training, Dr. Garwood focused on advanced minimally invasive surgery and ultimately went on to complete a surgical fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He then joined Harrisonburg Surgical Associates and the Sentara RMH medical group.

Dr. Garwood started the Sentara Weight Loss Surgery program in 2010, quickly building it into a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)-Accredited Centers program while continuing to grow his diversified laparoscopic general surgery practice. He currently holds the title of Medical Directorships in both General and Bariatric surgery and was recently named the Medical Director of Surgical Services for the Sentara RMH medical group. He was also honored by his surgical peers who elected him as Chief of Surgery.

Dr Garwood has a diverse background, graduating from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in economics followed by a 10-year career in the financial markets. Aside from his titles at Sentata RMH, Dr Garwood is board certified from the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow in both the American College of Surgery and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons . He has written several chapters in surgical textbooks and participated in numerous clinical studies.

Clinical Areas of Interest or Specialty

Medical Education & Training

Certifications, Awards & Distinctions

American Board of Surgery (Surgery)
Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (Laparoscopic Surgery)
Resident and Fellow Teaching Award, University of Virginia School of Medicine (2006)
Alpha Omega Alpha, Penn State College of Medicine (2000)
1st place, UWCT World Amateur Time Trial Cycling Championships, 50+ age group (2014)
1st place, United States Masters National Time Trial Cycling Championships, 45+ age group (2012)

Affiliations

Publications

Garwood RA, Sawyer RG, Thompson L, Adams RB. Infectious complications following hepatic resection. Am Surg.2004 Sept;70(9): 787-793

Garwood RA, Sawyer MD, Ledesma EJ, Foley E, Claridge JA. A case and review of bowel perforation secondary to metastatic lung cancer. Am Surg.2004 Feb; 71 (2): 110-116

Garwood RA, Sawyer MD, Ledesma EJ, Foley E, Claridge JA. A case and review of bowel perforation secondary to metastatic lung cancer. Am Surg.2004 Feb; 71 (2): 110-116

Garwood RA, Schirmer, B. Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. International Principles of Laparoscopic Surgery. Frezza EE, Gagner M, Li MKW, 1st Edition. Cine-Med October 2010

Turrentine FE, Denlinger CE, Simpson VB, Garwood RA, Guerlain S, Agrawal A, Friel CM. LaPar DJ, Stukenborg GJ Jones RS. Morbidity, Mortality, Cost, and Survival Estimates of Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leaks. JACS, 2015;220(2):195-206

Presentations

Garwood RA, Reece B, Smith RL, Adams RA. Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy: an early assessment of pre-operative risks factors and surgical outcomes. (7TH World Congress of the International Hepatopancreatobiliary Association. September 2006)

Garwood RA, Reece B, Stiles BM, Smith RL, Adams RA. The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic liver resections. (Poster presentation at the 7TH World Congress of the International Hepatopancreatobiliary Association. September 2006.)

Garwood RA, Sawyer RG, Thompson L, Adams RB. Infectious complications following hepatic resection. (Southeastern Surgical Society Annual Meeting. February 2004. Garwood RA, Sawyer MD, Ledesma EJ, Foley E, Claridge JA. A case and review of bowel perforation secondary to metastatic lung cancer. (Poster presentation at the Southeastern Surgical Society Annual Meeting. February 2004)