Leading Endocrine Surgeon
Expert Endocrine Surgeon Uses Minimally Invasive Techniques to Treat Hormone Disorders
The only fellowship-trained endocrine surgeon within 200 miles is seeing patients at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso and training the next generation of surgeons at Texas Tech Health El Paso.
As a board-certified general surgeon, Alexandros N. Flaris, M.D., M.Sc., is also fellowship trained in endocrine surgery, which involves treating diseases of hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas.
Dr. Flaris said his goal is to offer the best possible endocrine and general surgery care to the Borderplex community. This includes the use of minimally invasive surgery, which offers patients the benefits of less discomfort, reduced scarring and shorter hospital stays.
“Our field is advancing toward minimally invasive approaches, including needle-based treatment of non-cancerous thyroid nodules instead of traditional open surgery,” Dr. Flaris said. “I also aim to expand less invasive approaches for adrenal and pancreatic surgery, and pursue research that addresses the needs of patients in our community.”
A Valuable Surgery Resource for the Borderplex Community
According to the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons, there are 34 association members practicing endocrine surgery in the state of Texas, and one in New Mexico. The next closest endocrine surgeon is 200 miles away.
Based at Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso’s Transmountain location, 2000 B Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr., Dr. Flaris also primarily performs surgery at The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus, as well as University Medical Center of El Paso.
As a TTP El Paso surgeon, Dr. Flaris also plays an important role in educating and mentoring future physicians and surgeons at the Foster School of Medicine. He serves as an assistant professor of endocrine surgery and general surgery for the school.
Dr. Flaris said his driving philosophy is to “take care of the patient. This not only involves spending time with the patient, but also spending time (in person) with other physicians in an effort to provide excellent multidisciplinary care for tough problems.”
Dr. Flaris’ World-Class Educational Journey
A native of Greece, Dr. Flaris obtained his medical degree from the Aristotle University School of Medicine in Thessaloniki, one of the country’s most prestigious medical schools. He also earned a Master of Science in anatomy and physiology in Lyon, France. Following that, he completed his general surgery internship and residency at Tulane University in New Orleans.
His formal training culminated with a fellowship in comprehensive endocrine surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Dr. Flaris is certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. While there’s no board certification for endocrine surgery yet, the AAES is working to establish a focused designation of the practice.
Drawn to El Paso
Dr. Flaris said he was drawn to Texas Tech Health El Paso because of the opportunity to practice endocrine and general surgery in an academic environment.
“I enjoyed the conversations with the team,” said Dr. Flaris. “I felt that the value system here is very close to the one where I grew up in Greece. My family and I really liked El Paso, and we’re excited we were able to come here.”
About Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso
Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso is the clinical practice of the Foster School of Medicine. It’s the region’s largest multispecialty medical group practice, with over 250 specialists providing world-class patient care for the entire family at several locations across El Paso while also providing a hands-on learning space for Texas Tech Health El Paso resident physicians and students. For more information, visit ttpelpaso.com.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 counties in West Texas and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
Focusing on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,600 professionals over the past decade. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.