"Women want to be understood by their doctor. They want an authentic connection, with someone who is listening to their needs and looking at their "whole health" picture. Quite often they are busy taking care of everyone else in their family and circle of friends, putting their own health on the back burner until something becomes a problem. When they finally make time to see their doctor, they don't want their concerns to be dismissed."

Meet Dr. David Dupree...

Dr. Dupree is a Board Certified General Surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery. He is one of the leading general robotic surgeons in the state of New Jersey. He performs several operations through a tiny one inch incision in the belly button. Single incision cholecystectomy (removal of the Gallbladder) is performed routinely by Dr. Dupree. He utilizes the DaVinci Si Robot System located at Riverview Medical Center. Dr. Dupree was the first surgeon to perform single-incision surgery at Riverview and is also the first surgeon to utilize FireFly Fluorescence Imaging to aid in identifying critical anatomic structures during surgery. He states that this approach leaves almost no visible scar, yet does not compromise the safety and accuracy of the operation. Dr. Dupree also specializes in hernia surgery. He repairs all types of hernia ranging from simple, "belly-button" hernias to complex abdominal wall hernias and reconstruction. He performs several hundred hernia operations a year and travels all over the country every month to give talks to other surgeons about complicated hernia surgery. Hernia surgery and gallbladder surgery are among the most commonly performed operations in the United States.

Q & A:Q: At what point did you decide you wanted to be a surgeon?A: I knew I was going to be a surgeon long before I was in medical school. I grew up in a small town in Upstate, NY. I spent a lot of time fixing and building things growing up. I used to watch MASH with my father as a child, I always pictured myself in the OR operating like "Hawkeye". I spent a few years as a general contractor before medical school. I used to do hardwood flooring, sheetrock, and tile setting. I believe that this gave me an excellent foundation to build from. My father took great pride in his work as I do, and he said it's important to master your trade. Surgery is both an art and a trade, not all that different from my contracting work. I take great pride in being a General Surgeon as I took great pride in being a General Contractor.

Q: Have you seen women take a more proactive role in taking charge of their health conditions over the years?A: Yes, The best thing a patient can do for their doctor is provide him or her with an accurate and detailed picture of their health history, current conditions, symptoms and ailments. With the help of Electronic Medical Record technology, it's far easier these days for each doctor to share information so they can understand their patients and how to more effectively treat their conditions. Women are very proactive when it comes to not only providing information, but asking questions as well. Asking your surgeon questions is a critical step that sometimes is overlooked. Women want to know exactly what their surgeon is going to do, as they shoudl. Asking questions and being proactive aids in making sure you are on the table with the right Surgeon.

Women want to be understood by their doctor. Quite often they are busy taking care of everyone else in their family and circle of friencs, putting their own health on the back burner until something becomes a problem. In my practice, I've learned to take time to carefully listen to my patients and build a relationship with them. It helps me to help them maintain a proactive approach to positive health outcomes.

With the utilization of media channels such as magazines, television shows like Dr. Oz and The DOCTORS, on which I appeared, healthcare is no longer a scary topic. It allows everyday signs and symptoms to be discussed and eventually taken care of. A shift is taking place where women are more talkative about their conditions. They don't want to live with aches and pains, lumps and bumps. They want to choose a good quality of life - happy and healthy. With that said, health maintenance is crucial to aid in a long and healthy life. I came across an excellent article on WebMD that I'd like to share. "5 Lifesaving Health Screening Tests for Women".Q: What are two things women can do today that can start them on their journey to a healthier life?A: There are some basic fundamentals about healthy living that are true for everyone. There are things we should start and there are things we should stop. "Things we should start": Exercise will always be at the top of the list. Even a light walk at night with your significant other, a bike ride with your children, or a trip to the gym can start you on the road to a healthy life. "Things we should stop": This list will likely always be longer than the start list. Quitting smoking should be at the top of everyone's list. Smoking cigarettes is linked to so many cancers in women. This is a must do to get you on the road to a healthier life.