We’re proud to introduce one of the newest members of our team here at Premier Vascular & Vein Center in Knoxville, TN: Andrew D. Kropilak, MD, RPVI. Dr. Kropilak is a fellowship-trained vascular surgeon who brings advanced expertise in treating complex vascular conditions In this interview, Dr. Kropilak shares insights into his training, his personal approach to patient care, and what inspired him to join Premier Vascular & Vein Center here in Knoxville.

What kind of doctor are you and what do you treat? 

As a vascular surgeon, with Premier Surgical Associates, I focus on treating diseases of the blood vessels all throughout the body, with the exception of the heart and brain. We treat carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm disease, lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, and we help with limb salvage too, treating veins in the legs and even creating and managing dialysis access. 

So, it’s the whole gamut of blood vessels in the body.

Are there any areas that you have a special interest in?

I have a specific interest in the management of carotid artery disease, both open and with the transcarotid artery revascularization, or TCAR, which is a minimally invasive, carotid stent. I really enjoy the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm disease, especially with endovascular aortic repair, as well as limb salvage treatments for lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, such as endovascular interventions or lower extremity bypass.

Tell us about your medical training.

I went to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for medical school, which is in Memphis, Tennessee. Then, I went to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi for General Surgery residency for five years. After that, I was fortunate enough to match into a vascular surgery fellowship program here in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, and that was a two-year fellowship.

What is your personal philosophy of care?

My philosophy of patient care begins with recognizing that every patient is unique. I believe in having good communication with the patient to individualize the treatment as needed with an emphasis on shared decision making. I want each patient to receive the best possible care for them as an individual. No two people are the same. So, I am interested in having detailed discussions with patients and their families to formulate a care plan for that patient that meets their specific goals and needs.

Why is it important that vascular surgeons help their patients learn to manage their vascular disease?

Typically, vascular disease is often a systemic issue, so if you have disease in one of the arteries in the body, you more than likely have disease in other arteries or blood vessels in the body as well. Understanding the risk factors for vascular disease, the management of the disease and how it interplays with their overall health as well as managing some of their other medical problems that may be contributing to that, is extremely important. 

It makes establishing a good relationship with the patient extremely important because they’re going to be coming back to their vascular surgeon regularly for an extended period of time. We are going to continue to manage that disease together for the long-term. So, I think that making sure that the patients understand the risk factors they can modify that lead to vascular disease, as well as understanding the treatment pathways, and then the surveillance after those treatments, is very, very important. 

When you aren’t working, what do you like to do in your spare time? 

Being from East Tennessee and Knoxville specifically, there’s a lot of outdoor activities available to us here. I enjoy getting outside in some form or fashion. Whether it’s going hiking in the Smokies, going out on the lake, or playing golf, I really do enjoy being outside and being active.

What made you choose Premier Vascular & Vein Center?

When I was looking for a job coming out of fellowship, I really wanted a practice that embodied a lot of the values and ideals I held.

As far as goals for patient care, I think that Premier Surgical and specifically the vascular division of Premier Surgical offers a great opportunity whereby you have that ability to provide the spectrum of care that a vascular patient would need. And, you can do so in a way that’s very efficient and very patient centered.

Working in our outpatient center allows us to deliver an excellent patient experience. Patients can come in for their procedure and return home shortly after, which adds convenience and comfort while still focusing on exceptional outcomes. Even when caring for patients in the hospital, our goal remains the same — to provide the highest quality care and ensure each person has the best possible experience.

What I appreciate most is the dedication of my colleagues. We all share the same commitment to excellence and a passion for putting patients first.

Is there anything else that you would like your patients to know about? You?

I want them to know that I’m very dedicated and their care and want to work with them to formulate a care plan that is in their best interest. I want them to understand that this is very much going to be a teamwork type dynamic where we will form a long-term bond. I’m deeply invested in making sure that I’m providing the appropriate care for each patient, and I’m going to work hard to provide each patient with the best possible care for them specifically.

We’re excited to have Dr. Kropilak on our team, bringing his skill, compassion, and dedication to vascular health to our patients across East Tennessee.

If you or a loved one is dealing with vascular issues, the board-certified vascular surgeons at Premier Vascular & Vein Center are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kropilak today and take the first step toward better vascular health.

📞 Call (865) 588-8229 or request an appointment online.