Kathleen Gallagher, MD, specializes in general surgery at Altru. Dr. Gallagher is passionate about providing evidence-based, patient centered surgical care to the local community and educating surgical residents so they can do the same. Outside of work, she enjoys humanitarian and conflict zone medicine, distance running, writing, and reading.
Philosophy of Medicine
"I tell folks that I knew I wanted to be a doctor in high school, I figured out that I had to be a surgeon while serving in Afghanistan, and I finally learned how to do it all in Nashville, Tennessee. Each phase of the journey has taught me something different about myself and about the practice of surgery.
My philosophy is simple, I think of my patients and my team members as family and treat them accordingly. My job is to provide you with comprehensive and evidence-based recommendations, to perform safe and effective operations, to respect the informed choices you make about your healthcare, and to walk with you and your family during an often difficult time in life.
Being a surgeon is an enormous privilege, as well as a ton of fun. I love my job and always try to honor the trust my patients place in me by keeping their needs and wishes at the center of my practice. Thank you for trusting me, and the Altru team, with your surgical care!"
