Choosing a surgeon is terrifying. You’re basically handing over your life to a stranger with a scalpel. If you live in the First State, you’ve probably come across the name Dr Michael Conway Delaware while scrolling through provider directories or getting a referral for a hernia.
But who is he, really?
He isn't just a name on a building. Dr. Michael K. Conway is a board-certified general surgeon who has been a fixture in the Wilmington and Newark medical communities for over 35 years. That’s a long time. In surgical years, that’s thousands of hours in the OR and a lot of evolved techniques. Honestly, in a world where everything feels like it's becoming corporate and rushed, having a surgeon who was practicing before the internet was a household thing actually counts for something.
The Professional Backbone of Dr. Michael Conway
Let's get the "resume" stuff out of the way. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University in 1989. Since then, he’s spent the bulk of his career in the tri-state area. Currently, he’s a key figure at the Delaware Surgical Group, located right on Limestone Road in Wilmington.
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He isn't just some guy doing appendectomies, either. He serves as the Chief of the General Surgery section at ChristianaCare. That’s a massive responsibility. It means he’s not just performing surgeries; he’s leading the department and overseeing how surgical care is delivered at one of the largest healthcare systems in the region.
What He Actually Does
If you’re looking for Dr Michael Conway Delaware, it’s likely for one of these reasons:
- Laparoscopic Procedures: This is his bread and butter. Think gallbladder surgery and hernia repairs.
- Ventral and Inguinal Hernias: He performs these way more often than the average provider.
- Lipomas and Skin Lesions: Sometimes you just need something removed that shouldn't be there.
- Complex Abdominal Surgery: Everything from appendicitis to colorectal issues.
He’s also the medical director of the operating room surgical physician assistants at ChristianaCare. Basically, he trains the people who help him.
The Patient Experience: What's the Word?
Searching for a doctor usually leads you to those star-rating sites. You've seen them. Healthgrades, Vitals, the whole lot. Dr. Michael Conway generally sits around a 4.8 out of 5.
That’s high.
Patients tend to mention two specific things: he doesn't rush you, and he actually explains the condition. We've all been to those doctors who have one foot out the door before you can even ask about the recovery time. According to patient feedback, he typically sees people in under 10 minutes from their appointment time, which is a minor miracle in modern medicine.
One patient mentioned that he contacted their family personally after surgery. That’s a "small-town" touch you don't always get in a big city hospital. It’s that human element that keeps people coming back or referring their neighbors.
Why His Ties to Virtua and ChristianaCare Matter
He’s affiliated with Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and St. Francis Hospital in addition to ChristianaCare. This gives patients options. If your insurance is picky about which hospital system you use, he likely has privileges at the one you need.
It’s also worth noting his academic side. He’s a clinical professor at Jefferson College of Medicine. Teaching medical students forces a surgeon to stay current with the latest research and peer-reviewed methods. He’s even shared peer-reviewed surgical videos on platforms like CSurgeries to help other surgeons learn complex steps.
The Reality of Choosing a General Surgeon
General surgery is a broad field. Some doctors specialize so much they only do one thing. Dr. Michael Conway is more of a traditionalist in the sense that he handles a wide array of abdominal and soft tissue issues, but his focus on laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques is what defines his modern practice.
Minimally invasive means smaller scars. It means you get home faster. It means less pain.
Actionable Steps if You're Booking an Appointment
If you are planning to see Dr Michael Conway Delaware, here is the "insider" way to handle it:
- Check the Limestone Office First: Most of his primary consultations happen at 1941 Limestone Rd, Suite 213, in Wilmington.
- Insurance Verification: He accepts major plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, but always call the office at (302) 892-2100 to confirm. Coverage changes faster than the weather.
- Prepare Your History: Because he also handles complex cases like biliary tract issues or intestinal surgery, bring a clear timeline of your symptoms.
- Ask About Robotic Options: While he is a master of traditional laparoscopy, he also uses robotic assistance for certain procedures like splenectomies. Ask if your specific case qualifies for a robotic-assisted approach.
Experience matters. You wouldn't want a pilot who just learned to fly yesterday, and you probably don't want a surgeon who is still "figuring out" the nuances of a complex hernia repair. With over three decades in the trenches of Delaware's medical scene, Dr. Michael Conway represents that blend of old-school bedside manner and high-tech surgical skill.