Ragnar S. Peterson, MD, FACS General Surgeon

Dr. Ragnar S. Peterson is a board-certified general surgeon practicing with Wichita Surgical Specialists.

Born in Lindsborg, Kansas, Dr. Peterson received his Doctor of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

As a child, Dr. Peterson had severe medical problems requiring multiple multi-month-long admissions to hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic and National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado. “These experiences led me to determine that I was going to be a physician by my 10th birthday,” said Dr. Peterson. “When you are eight years old and treated like a number with a set of symptoms, the experience tends to stick with you. I knew that I could do it better, and I try to meet this standard every day.”

As a general surgeon, Dr. Peterson performs a broad range of procedures. He has focused the last 10-15 years of his practice on abdominal wall problems and is Kansas’ only dedicated abdominal wall surgeon. He is the founder of the Ascension Comprehensive Hernia Center. “My team and I started and maintained the region’s only abdominal wall and hernia center,” he said. “We take care of simple to the most complex hernias, fistulas and other abdominal wall problems.”

Dr. Peterson has been recognized as a Verified Surgeon of Quality by the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC). This program recognizes surgeons for improving the quality and value of patient care for hernia and abdominal patients.

Dr. Peterson considers himself an educator first and a surgeon second. “If we are going to the operating room, then the patient and their family should know and understand plan A, plan B, plan C and the risks and benefits of each,” he said.

“My goal as a surgeon is to give my best effort, every day,” said Dr. Peterson. “I want my patients to be able to live full, free, fulfilling and productive lives.” He is happy to be a part of the Wichita Surgical Specialists team.

He’s climbed mountains, driven race cars, flown airplanes and traveled the world, but his greatest adventure is being a father. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children and loving every moment.