Dr. George Pliagas
Passion and innovation: That’s what fuels the dynamic work performed by George Pliagas, MD, FACS, FRCSC, a board-certified general and vascular surgeon, married father of three, a self-described “horrible” golfer and the latest member to join Advanced Cardiac & Vascular Centers for Amputation Prevention.
“I feel very passionate about what I do, and that’s taking care of patients and saving lives and limbs,” says Dr. Pliagas.
Born in Greece, Dr. Pliagas’ family settled in London, Ontario when he was one year old. In school, he enjoyed studying archaeology, history and French, as well as playing football. However, the loss of his father when he was three and youthful discussions with his aunt, a registered nurse, prompted him to follow a career in medicine so he could help people.
His family eventually returned to Greece for a short time, during which Dr. Pliagas earned his medical degree from the Medical School of Patras. His family permanently returned to Ontario, where he trained as an Intern at St. Joseph’s Hospital and then went on to specialize in general and vascular surgery.
His more than three-decade passion for saving lives and limbs started when he completed his general surgery residency and an extra year of vascular surgery training at the University of Western Ontario. He spent endless hours performing thousands of leg bypasses in order to save patient’s legs.
In 1990, he brought this experience with vascular limb bypass to Tennessee, where he joined the Surgical Associates of Knoxville. Immediately, Dr. Pliagas saw the vascular horizon was changing, filled with new technologies and innovative techniques becoming essential in saving limbs and lives.
Throughout his career, he skillfully incorporated these new endovascular skills with vascular surgery into his daily practice in order to salvage limbs.
He has dedicated an important part of his career to teaching and training, serving as course director, moderator or faculty member for dozens of courses throughout the United States and Europe. He also has served as principal investigator for nine clinical trials, published multiple articles and has presented his work at national and international symposiums.
He’s excited to be a part of ACV, working with Dr. Mustapha, Dr. Saab and Dr. Bernstein.
“I have always believed that when you and your partners all share the same mission and goal – for us it means saving limbs and exploring new techniques – that makes for a great fit. I couldn’t ask for a better springboard for this exciting chapter in my career.”
He’s confident his role at ACV will allow him and his colleagues to soar in ways that positively affect the course of patients’ lives. “I believe we are at the dawn of a new era, and my goal is to immerse myself as part of this enlightened team and introduce the latest techniques to the people we’re privileged to serve, helping them save their limbs and, ultimately, enjoy time with their families.”
