Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is thrilled to welcome Richard N. Hamilton, M.D. FACOG, as the lead physician at CVR vein clinics in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Dr. Richard N. Hamilton is an experienced, board-certified physician, researcher, and medical educator. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, where he achieved cum laude honors (“with exemplary academic success”). His professional interests include robotics and minimally invasive surgery, and vascular ultrasound.
He is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and credentialed by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM).
We spoke to Dr. Hamilton about his education and medical background, what he wants his patients and referring physicians to know about his patient care philosophy, and why he chose CVR to treat venous disease.
“I originally trained as an obstetrics and gynecologist with subspecialty training in minimally invasive gynecological surgery and pelvic reconstructive surgery. I also developed my vascular practice to treat venous insufficiency and other vein diseases during that time,” says Dr. Hamilton.
While practicing in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Hamilton noticed that many female patients suffered from vascular disorders. For many of these women, the debilitating symptoms were a complication secondary to pregnancy. Unfortunately, very few resources were available to treat their symptoms, including leg pain and swelling, aching, cramping, restless legs, varicose veins, and other signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Because of this lack of vein care, Dr. Hamilton elected to get the additional training needed to provide care for venous disorders. He went on to build a busy practice in Portland treating vein disease. He was impressed by the minimally invasive treatment options that he was then able to provide his venous insufficiency patients, which he described as “very effective, high reward/low risk, with a quick recovery, performed as an out-patient, completed in a short period of time, and restores the limb back to normal.”
Noticing that the demand for vein specialists in Alaska was considerable, Dr. Hamilton jumped at the opportunity to practice at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinics in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska. He adds that CVR's operational support structure, which is solely focused on venous disorders, was attractive to him.
“Having been in private practice for twenty-five years, I understand the importance of having an organization surrounding you that can be sustainable but efficient and at the top of the level of care that I like to provide my patients. CVR offers all of this.” – Dr. Richard N. Hamilton
On a side note, Dr. Hamilton describes himself as a “passionate outdoorsman,” and living in Alaska suits him well personally. He enjoys fishing, hiking, skiing powder, and windsurfing in the ocean.
“I take care of the whole patient,” declares Dr. Hamilton. He adds, “Generally, my patients are referred to me for a specific reason: a disorder I can treat. I will help them understand the cause of their vein disease, the treatment options, associated risks, recovery, and outcome expectations. If I can’t help, I will figure out what is going on and get them to the next step, a provider who can help them.”
“My best skill is communication and taking care of the whole patient,” says Dr. Hamilton, adding that he built a successful practice on this foundation. In addition, he possesses a diverse background in surgery and the ability to adopt new skills in emerging techniques and procedures, such as minimally invasive surgery, Da Vinci Robotics surgery, and extensive ultrasound experience.
My primary motivation is to address the issue that brought the patient in to see me and help them understand what is happening to them and the treatment options available, says Dr. Hamilton.
“I want my referring providers to know that, if the patient is suffering from a venous disorder, my job is to help them understand what is going on.” And if the condition is not venous-related, Dr. Hamilton will ensure that the patient gets the help they need from an appropriate specialist. Dr. Hamilton will never send a patient back to the referring provider without some type of patient improvement or diagnosis information.
Varicose veins are not just “a fact of life.” It is a common (and very real!) medical disorder caused by weak vein walls and valves. Known as venous disease, untreated varicose veins can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), bleeding (if veins close to the surface burst), skin discoloration, and ulcers (open sores that are slow to heal).
CVR’s board-certified vein specialists provide an in-depth consultation during which you will come to understand your vein condition and learn about your outpatient treatment options. Treatment is covered by most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
To find a CVR vein clinic near you, call 240-965-3915, or visit centerforvein.com to learn more.
Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) welcomes Brian David Baxt, MD, as the lead physician at our Dothan, Alabama, vein center. Dr. Baxt is an experienced, board-certified emergency room physician, medical educator, lecturer, and attending physician specializing in venous disorders (vein disease).
