Michael L. Cheatham, MD, FACS, FCCM, is a board-certified surgeon with Orlando Health Medical Group Surgery. He also serves as chairman of surgical education at Orlando Health and chief surgical quality officer for Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center. His specialties include general surgery, surgical critical care and neurologic critical care with a particular focus on hernia repair.
Surgery at Orlando Health
At Orlando Health, Dr. Cheatham and his colleagues are skilled surgeons who are accomplished in both minimally invasive and traditional surgical procedures as well as comprehensive outpatient surgery. His many areas of expertise ensure patients receive quality care throughout all stages of the surgical process, from preoperative testing to surgery and postoperative care.
Complex Hernia Care
Typically, Dr. Cheatham recommends one of two surgical procedures to treat complex hernia conditions - open repair surgery, which requires an incision to access the hernia, or minimally invasive laparoscopy surgery. Hernia surgeries take about an hour to perform and generally do not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Stitches or mesh are used to reinforce the abdomen wall during both procedures.
Dr. Cheatham’s Training
Dr. Cheatham earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville and then completed his general surgery residency and surgical critical care fellowship at the university’s medical center.
About Dr. Cheatham
Dr. Cheatham is certified by the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American College of Critical Care Medicine. In addition to publishing more than 200 abstracts, manuscripts and book chapters, he has an interest in clinical research spanning two decades and holds faculty appointments at the University of Florida, Florida State University, and University of Central Florida.
He is active in medical missions and international disaster relief through Samaritan’s Purse and World Medical Mission, where he has served on the board of directors since 2008. He has volunteered his time as a short-term missionary in Africa, Asia and South America since 1986.