Lacey Michael
Elmore Autauga News
The Catfish House was packed on Wednesday as community and business leaders gathered for the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce’s September Luncheon, where guests had the chance to hear from Prattville’s newest general surgeon, Dr. Sara E. Nelson.
Dr. Nelson recently joined Baptist Health Surgical Partners and Montgomery Surgical & Trauma Associates. She shared her journey into medicine, beginning with her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama before transferring to Troy University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. She later earned her medical degree from VCOM-Auburn.
During medical school, Dr. Nelson participated in a mission trip that sparked an interest in obstetrics and gynecology.
“Ultimately and thankfully, life came full circle, and I found my way back to my first love of surgery,” said Dr. Nelson.
She went on to complete her General Surgery Residency at Brookwood Baptist Community Program in Birmingham, gaining extensive training in robotic surgery and endoscopy. Another mission trip, this time to Guatemala, further solidified her passion for serving patients through surgery.
Through mutual friends, Dr. Nelson was introduced to Dr. Burge, and today she works alongside him at Montgomery Surgical & Trauma Associates in Prattville.
“Looking ahead, my goal is to keep as many cases here in Prattville as possible without needing to transfer patients elsewhere,” said Dr. Nelson.
Plans under discussion include expanding operating room capacity, re-establishing a dedicated call team, and eventually acquiring a surgical robot.
She closed her remarks with a nod to fellow football fans in the room, finishing with a spirited, “Roll Tide!”
