Two new surgeons passionate about health and wellness recently started at Mercy Clinic General Surgery – Ada. Dr. Justin Plaxico and Dr. Ghaith Al-Qudah joined Dr. Douglas Thornton and will help increase access and surgical options for patients.
Dr. Plaxico was born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and is a lifelong Oklahoma native with over 21 years of experience in general surgery.
“I had my spleen removed when I was six years old and the experience really sparked an interest in surgery and medicine,” said Dr. Plaxico. “Later, on my first day of clinical rotations in medical school, I assisted with an open-heart surgery. I got to stabilize the patient’s heart in my own hand. From that day forward, I knew I wanted to be a surgeon.”
Dr. Plaxico received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and a medical degree from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He later completed residency training at Tulsa Regional Medical Center.
“My best advice for patients is to advocate for their own health,” said Dr. Plaxico. “I want them to be well informed and ask questions so we can work together as a team.”
Dr. Plaxico most recently practiced in McAlester, Oklahoma. He provides routine general surgery procedures, endoscopy and wound care services.
“What I love about seeing patients in Ada is the network of health professionals ready and able to assist me,” said Dr. Plaxico. “I love living and working in a community where I don’t even have to pass a stoplight to get to work. I also like the fact that the people I see in the office are people I will likely run into somewhere in town.”
Dr. Al-Qudah is originally from Jordan and has 14 years of experience in medicine. He recently finished residency training at Central Michigan University in Saginaw, Michigan, before joining Mercy.
“I always wanted my career to be in medicine,” said Dr. Al-Qudah. “I grew up in a family who worked in health care and thought it was amazing that doctors save patients’ lives. I fell in love with surgery during medical school because it brings us close to patients and allows us to help them overcome some of their most difficult times.”
Dr. Al-Qudah received a medical degree from the University of Jordan in Amman, Jordan, and completed preliminary residency training with the University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to routine general surgery training, he has experience in hiatal hernia and thyroid surgeries.
“I’m very passionate about wellness, and I stress a healthy lifestyle to my patients,” said Dr. Plaxico. “Surgery alone can’t fix your health without the help of a good diet, exercise, smoking cessation and weight management. Following a good lifestyle is key to better outcomes, health and life expectancy.”
In his spare time, Dr. Plaxico enjoys landscaping, grilling, fishing, and bee keeping, and he recently started collecting vinyl records.
Dr. Al-Qudah is an avid soccer player and spectator. He also enjoys spending time with his young son. His family is already loving being a part of the Ada community.
Both surgeons are now taking new patients at Mercy Clinic General Surgery – Ada, located at 435 N. Monte Vista St. Learn more or schedule an appointment.
