Samaritan Welcomes New Plastic Surgeon October 16, 2024 Gary Donath, MD, recently joined Samaritan Breast, Reconstruction & Surgical Oncology in Corvallis. He specializes in breast reconstruction, melanoma and skin cancer management, Mohs reconstruction, and aesthetic surgery. He also has advanced training and experience in oncoplastic reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects and autologous breast reconstruction. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Donath has contributed to several research publications and served as a consultant for the development of tissue expanders and biomaterials for breast reconstruction. Prior to joining Samaritan, Dr. Donath was in private practice in California for 25 years. He then moved to the East Coast transitioning to academic plastic surgery to teach residents and medical students at the Albany Medical Center in New York and University of Florida College of Medicine. “Teaching was inspirational as interacting with students motivated me to learn more and constantly evolve in my specialty,” Dr. Donath said. He also finds inspiration from patients who place trust in physicians, nurses and other members of a health care team during challenging circumstances. “Plastic surgery is my passion because it blends creativity with surgical decision making and problem solving,” Dr. Donath said. “No two patients are the same, and this requires the design of a personalized plan to reach each patient’s desired outcome.” A culture that fit with his own individualized, patient-centered approach to care is what compelled him to join Samaritan. “I am drawn to the culture here and the other physicians in the practice,” Dr. Donath said. “The staff is compassionate and friendly, and we all work together to put the patient at the center of the equation!” In his free time, Dr. Donath enjoys playing guitar and bass as well as cycling, swimming and surfing. To learn more about Dr. Donath, visit samhealth.org/bio/gdonath. He also can be reached at Samaritan Breast, Reconstruction & Surgical Oncology at 541-768-1252.
