Surgeons & Staff
Meet Your Surgeon
At Surgical Associates of WNY (SAWNY), you’ll be cared for by a team of board-certified surgeons who combine decades of experience with advanced surgical training. Each surgeon brings a unique background and area of expertise, ranging from minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures to complex abdominal surgeries. This depth of experience allows our practice to treat a wide variety of surgical conditions with precision, safety, and compassion.
Every member of our surgical team is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), reflecting their commitment to the highest professional and ethical standards. As a teaching affiliate, SAWNY remains actively engaged in research, education, and the training of the next generation of physicians. This partnership ensures that our patients benefit from both time-tested expertise and the latest advancements in surgical care.
Richard D. Bloomberg
Kenneth H. Eckhert III
Rurik C. Johnson
Robert S. Armstrong
Matthew D. Behringer
Meet Your Midlevel Providers
Exceptional care at SAWNY comes from a coordinated team approach that includes not only your surgeon, but also experienced nurse practitioners and a physician assistant who provide attentive, day-to-day care throughout your surgical journey. This model ensures seamless communication, consistent follow-up, and ongoing support while you recover.
Our midlevel providers, Ms. Karee Chella and Ms. Briana Kelley, are integral to your experience. They maintain a dedicated presence at Mercy Hospital, taking health histories, assisting in surgery, and providing both pre- and post-operative care. They round daily on inpatients, coordinate with surgeons, and help monitor progress, ensuring that every patient receives continuous, high-quality attention. Their knowledge, compassion, and approachability allow you to feel supported and informed every step of the way—because at SAWNY, your recovery and comfort always come first.
Karee A. Chella
