Michael Ewing, MD

Meet Michael Ewing, MD

Bringing advanced minimally invasive surgery to the Coastal Bend

Dr. Michael James Ewing is a board-certified general surgeon who provides advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgical care to the Corpus Christi community through CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. He has lived in the Corpus Christi community since his high school years.

Dr. Ewing combines deep local ties with elite training to bring modern, robotic-assisted techniques to South Texas. He is recognized for his technical precision in complex hernia repair and breast cancer, focusing on evidence-based methods that allow patients to recover faster with significantly less post-operative pain.

Career at a Glance

• Surgeon of Excellence: Formally designated as a "Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery" by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).
• Academic Distinction: Graduated with Honors from the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and received teaching awards from Baylor University Medical School.
• High-Volume Specialist: Recognized for performing complex ventral and incisional hernia repairs at a volume significantly higher than regional peers.
• Leadership: From a renowned webcast to working as a traveling speaker, from Director of Quality to Chief of Surgery, and from Director of Robotic Surgery to teaching advanced robotics courses, he has helped lead multiple hospitals to success.
• Advanced Imaging: Utilizes intraoperative cholangiography (real-time bile duct imaging) at an elite frequency to maximize patient safety during gallbladder surgery, as well as the most advanced WIRELESS breast cancer treatment.

Clinical Role and Leadership

As the Medical Director of Surgical Services, Dr. Ewing is a pivotal figure in elevating surgical quality and safety standards across the region. He specializes in a wide breadth of general surgery, with a particular emphasis on the following:

• Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: Complex ventral, incisional, inguinal, and umbilical hernias.
• Biliary Excellence: Gallstones, cholecystitis, and complex gallbladder pathology.
• Gastrointestinal Surgery: Diverticulitis (colectomy), small bowel disease, and appendicitis.
• Reflux & Diaphragmatic Care: Hiatal and paraesophageal hernia repair for GERD management.
• Specialized Resections: Robotic-assisted adrenalectomy, gastrectomy, and splenectomy.
• Oncology & Soft Tissue: Surgical management of breast cancer, skin malignancies (melanoma), and thyroid/parathyroid disorders.

What You Can Expect from Care with Dr. Ewing

Dr. Ewing’s care style is defined by a "confidence and calm" approach. He believes that a well-educated patient is more empowered, and he takes the time to "drill down" into the specifics of a diagnosis so patients understand the "why" behind their treatment plan. You can expect:

• A "Team-Based" Approach: Care aligned with the highest hospital safety and quality benchmarks.
• Technological Precision: A preference for robotic and laparoscopic tools to support faster mobility and minimal scarring.
• Urgent Care Mastery: Extensive experience in emergency surgical situations, honed during training at a Level I Trauma Center.
• Clear Education: Detailed explanations of your diagnosis, from the general overview to the minute surgical details.
• Cosmetically Minded: Small things matter, down to where we can hide the incision to how we control postoperative pain.

Advanced Surgical Innovation

Dr. Ewing is at the forefront of surgical technology in South Texas. His designation as a Surgeon of Excellence in Robotic Surgery signifies that he has met rigorous, independent standards for surgical volume and patient outcomes. By utilizing the da Vinci® Surgical System, he performs complex procedures through tiny incisions, which often result in:

• Reduced reliance on opioid pain medications.
• A quicker return to work and daily activities.
• Lower risk of surgical site infections.
• Smaller incisions and lower length of stay in the hospital

Research and Thought Leadership

Dr. Ewing’s clinical practice is rooted in a strong academic foundation. His peer-reviewed research has challenged medical dogma and contributed to the safety of modern surgical protocols. Key areas of his scholarly work include, but are not limited to, peer-reviewed articles and book chapters:

Contrast Safety: Published research in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation advocating for more nuanced use of contrast media in patients with kidney disease to ensure they receive life-saving diagnostic care.

Rare Case Management: Documented rare surgical resections, including complex cardiac lymphaticovenous malformations and mycotic aortic pseudoaneurysms.

Systems Improvement: Research focused on improving the reliability of national trauma data to strengthen the quality of care across the U.S.

Education and Certifications

• Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine (Graduated with Honors)
• Master of Science: University of North Texas Health Science Center
• Residency: Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas, TX) – Level I Trauma Center
• Board Certification: American Board of Surgery (ABS)
• Affiliations: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital (South/Shoreline), Corpus Christi Medical Center (Bay Area/Doctors Regional), and South Texas Surgical Hospital.
• SAGES/Surgeon of Excellence