Dr. Stephen VanWylen, MD
Thoracic and General Surgeon
Dr. Stephen VanWylen, Thoracic and General Surgeon, has a career spanning 35 years and special interest in esophageal surgery. Dr. VanWylen developed a unique skill set in surgical treatment of acid reflux. Of acid reflux, Dr. VanWylen said, “There are around 200 million people who deal with reflux, only a small percent will benefit from surgical treatment. It’s my role as a surgeon to have done the right testing to see who would be benefit from surgery.”
Among Dr. VanWylen’s strengths is patient education. It is important to him to help people understand what reflux is and whether they’d be a good candidate for surgery or not, providing enough information to help people make good decisions. He can treat other acute issues as well, including gall bladders, appendectomies, bowel obstructions, endoscopies, colonoscopies, hemorrhoids, and hernias to name a few.
Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. VanWylen and his wife, Kathy, have five children (spread across the U.S. and Spain) and four grandchildren. He and Kathy are in the process of relocating to Minneapolis where they will be close to grand children and a major airport hub.
When not providing surgeries, Dr. VanWylen enjoys spending time outside both camping and wilderness canoeing, hiking, and swimming. A green thumb, he used to have a backyard apple orchard where he would graft his own trees. A masters swimming competitor, it’s no surprise he enjoys swimming for exercise.
McKenzie Health is excited to have Dr. VanWylen’s expertise on the surgical team! He will provide services one week per month. To schedule an appointment with Dr.VanWylen, please call 701-444-8730. Certainly, if you visit our Emergency Department for unexpected surgical needs, Dr.VanWylen may be the surgeon on-call to provide your treatment.
Happy
Patients
Dr. VanWylen has Specialized Skills in:
- 29+ years practicing Thoracic and General Surgery in Holland, Michigan
- Anti-reflux surgery
- Diagnosis (development of esophageal lab: impedance high resolution manometry, impedance pH testing, BRAVO pH testing, Restech pharyngeal pH testing)
- Treatment (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, laparoscopic LINX procedure, Belsey MarkIV fundoplication, transoral incisionless fundoplication)
- Diagnosis and treatment of benign esophageal diseases including achalasia
- General surgery
- Advanced laparoscopic skills including anti-reflux, colon, adrenal, CBD exploration
- Breast, hernia (including complex abdominal wall reconstruction)
- Endocrine (thyroid and adrenal)
- Gastrointestinal
- Hepato-pancreatic-biliary procedures utilizing open and advanced laparoscopic techniques
- 3 years as rural surgeon in Medford, WI
- EGD
- Colonoscopy
- Gallbladder
- Hernia Repair
- Appendix
- Lumps and Bumps
- Foreign Body Removal
Awards & Accolades
- The effect of imidazole in endotoxin shock in dogs.
VanWylen SJ, Browning DP, Villalba M. Am Surg. 1986 Aug; 52(8):413-7.
Winner Charles G. Johnston award (Detroit Surgical Association), Midwest Surgical Association, and William Beaumont Hospital resident research awards.1984 - Disappearance of Pneumoperitoneum after Laparoscopy
Winner of clinical research award, GRAMEC, 1992
Education & Certifications
- B.A., Chemistry, Philosophy — Hope College; Holland, MI
- Dip. H.E., Theology — Trinity Theological College; Bristol, England
- M.D. — Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; East Lansing, MI
- Post Graduate Training
General Surgery — William Beaumont Hospital; Royal Oak, MI
General Thoracic Surgery — E. Birmingham Hospital; Birmingham, England
Dr. VanWylen's Favorite Things to do:
- Board Member Regional HMO–1990s
- Catechism teacher–local church for 22 years
- Service as elder/deacon at local church
- Youth soccer coach