At Altru, excellence often begins with empathy, and for Dr. Michael Dixon, it is carried through every stitch, consult, and conversation. As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Truyu and Altru Hospital, Dr. Dixon combines surgical precision with a heart for service, shaped by a childhood steeped in community care. His approach is both personal and purposeful, helping patients of all ages restore holistic well-being right here at home.
What are your educational background and career history?
I received my associate’s degree from Rock Valley Community College. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University. My Medical Degree was earned from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. My residency in General Surgery was at the University of North Dakota on the Rural Tract. Most recently I completed a Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
What inspired you to start practicing medicine?
I come from a large, loud, family of eight, with an even larger extended family. Growing up, my family was very dedicated to caring for the less fortunate both in the community and globally. Because of this, I grew up in a constant flourish of mission trips, community fundraisers, foreign exchange students, our many newly immigrated friends, and community outreach. I then dedicated my life to caring for others at the age of 13. Encouraged by my two aunts who are nurses, it was a natural transition to the medical field.
What made you choose plastic surgery as a specialty?
I did not enter medicine knowing I would choose Plastic Surgery. However, during my training, Plastic Surgery became the obvious choice. It is the perfect symphony of qualities that appeal to me. It is diverse enough to allow me to work in rural and underserved areas. It is the perfect balance of form, function, and symmetry. Lasty, it can help those of all ages and backgrounds feel a little more whole.
What are the top procedures you work on at Truyu?
My passion is rural health care and helping to bring care a little closer to home. Because of this, I perform a wide variety of procedures. I assist the dermatology department care for both pediatric patients requiring surgery as well as all ages who require skin reconstruction. In the hospital, I perform reconstruction for those affected by cancer and trauma. At the wound clinic, I assist with chronic wound treatment. Through Truyu, I have the privilege of helping those seeking facial rejuvenation and body contouring.
What is the best thing about your job?
Through surgery, I have the honor of helping people feel a little more whole so they can get back to living life.
Best moment of your career thus far?
Being hired at Altru Hospital, where I worked as a resident and met my wife. My oldest son was born in the Legacy Hospital, and my daughter was born in the new hospital. It is a privilege to be a member of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Team, a group I looked up to as a resident.
How do you measure success?
By whether or not I had a positive impact on those around me.
Describe your typical workday.
Three days a week I work at Truyu Clinic, meeting with patients. This includes people who have yet to have surgery. During these visits, we discuss their goals and talk about the different options, what is involved, and if the procedures can be performed locally or requires involving other health care teams. I also see patients who have already had surgery and are working through the healing process. In our procedure rooms, I perform smaller procedures that do not require people to be put to sleep. Two days a week I perform larger procedures in the new hospital operating rooms.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I have a wonderful wife and three young children. Spending time with them is my main hobby outside of work. At our small home in the country, we spend as much time as possible outside fishing, playing, kayaking or visiting parks. When the kids are asleep, I have always enjoyed science fiction and mythology. As a family, we also love to travel both nationally and internationally.
If you had an extra hour every day, what would you spend it doing?
I would like to spend it with my family, working and playing outside at our home. We hope to soon have a garden, chickens, and whatever comes our way.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dixon, call 701.780.6623.