Name: Dr. Steven A. Vela

Specialty: General Surgery

Qualification/Board Certification: University of Michigan Medical School

Affiliation(s): Surgical Associates Corpus Christi, LLP

Location (City/State): Corpus Christi, Texas

Languages Spoken: English

Accepting New Patients: Yes

NPI Number: 1831134816

About the Doctor

Dr. Steven A. Vela is a board-eligible general surgeon with over 21 years of clinical and surgical experience, practicing in Corpus Christi, Texas. He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, a nationally recognized institution renowned for its rigorous medical training, and completed his surgical residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from 2001 to 2006 — one of the country’s most respected academic surgical training programs. This combination of elite medical education and extensive hands-on surgical training has positioned Dr. Vela as a skilled and knowledgeable general surgeon serving the South Texas region.

Dr. Vela practices at Surgical Associates Corpus Christi, LLP, a multi-surgeon practice where he works alongside a team of highly rated general surgery specialists. He holds an active Texas State Medical License through 2028 and has been recognized with awards, honors, and professional publications throughout his career. Patients particularly commend his ability to answer questions thoroughly and explain instructions with clarity — both critical qualities in a surgical setting. He has been identified as an expert in at least one surgical condition and carries high procedure volumes in colonoscopy, mastectomy, hernia repair, and gallbladder removal compared to state averages. Dr. Vela is currently accepting new patients and offers convenient online appointment booking.

Key highlights about Dr. Vela:

• Over 21 years of surgical experience in general surgery
• Trained at the University of Michigan Medical School and UT Southwestern Medical Center
• Recognized expert in surgical procedures including mastectomy and colonoscopy
• Patients rate him excellent for answering questions and clarity of instructions
• Active TX State Medical License through 2028
• Accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and a broad range of major insurance plans
• Part of a well-established multi-surgeon group practice in Corpus Christi

Education & Training

Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School

Residency: Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2001–2006)

Fellowship/Additional Training: Not listed; subspecialty focus in General Surgery

Medical Conditions Treated

Dr. Vela has demonstrated high procedure volumes and expertise across a range of surgical conditions, particularly those involving abdominal organs, the digestive tract, and breast tissue:

• Breast cancer requiring surgical intervention (mastectomy)
• Colorectal conditions requiring colonoscopy or colon removal
• Inguinal (groin) hernias and other hernia types
• Gallbladder disease and gallstones (requiring cholecystectomy)
• Appendicitis and appendix-related conditions
• Abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders requiring surgical management
• Soft tissue masses and skin lesion removal
• Thyroid and parathyroid conditions requiring surgical intervention
• Bowel obstructions and related complications
• Trauma and acute surgical emergencies

Medical Procedures Performed

• Colonoscopy (diagnostic and surgical)
• Mastectomy (partial and total breast removal)
• Groin hernia repair (inguinal herniorrhaphy)
• Gallbladder removal (laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy)
• Colon resection and removal
• Appendectomy
• Laparoscopic abdominal surgeries
• Soft tissue and skin lesion excision
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
• Surgical consultations and preoperative evaluations
• Postoperative follow-up care and wound management

Services Offered

Dr. Steven A. Vela offers a comprehensive range of general surgical services at his Corpus Christi practice, addressing both elective and urgent surgical needs for adult patients across South Texas. His practice is built on delivering clear, informative, and patient-centered surgical care, from the initial consultation through recovery and follow-up.

For patients requiring cancer-related surgery, Dr. Vela performs mastectomies as part of breast cancer treatment, bringing precision and experience to one of the most sensitive and consequential surgical interventions a patient may face. His high procedure volumes in this area reflect a well-developed expertise that gives patients confidence in the quality of care they will receive. He also performs colonoscopies and colon resections, addressing conditions ranging from polyp removal and colorectal cancer to inflammatory bowel disease complications.

Dr. Vela is equally experienced in common elective procedures such as hernia repairs and gallbladder removals, typically performed laparoscopically to minimize recovery time and postoperative discomfort. His patients consistently rate him highly for explaining procedures clearly and ensuring they fully understand their care instructions — a hallmark of a surgeon who prioritizes informed, confident patients. Surgical consultations at his practice involve thorough evaluations, individualized surgical planning, and coordinated preoperative and postoperative care.

Key services include:

• Breast cancer surgery including mastectomy
• Colonoscopy and colorectal surgical procedures
• Laparoscopic and open hernia repair
• Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
• Colon resection and bowel surgery
• Appendectomy and acute abdominal surgery
• Soft tissue and skin lesion excision
• Thyroid and parathyroid surgical procedures
• Preoperative surgical consultations and evaluations
• Postoperative wound care and follow-up management
• Telehealth consultations (contact office for availability)
• Online appointment booking

Accepted Insurances

• Aetna – HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan – HMO, Medicare, POS, PPO
• Cigna – PPO
• CMS Medicare – Medicare
• Elevance – EPO, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare, POS, PPO
• HCSC – HMO
• Humana – Medicare, PPO
• Molina – HMO, Medicare
• United Healthcare – HMO, Medicaid, POS, PPO

Practice Locations

Location 1 Address: 5802 Saratoga Blvd, Suite 120, Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Phone: (361) 881-3476

Hospital Affiliations

No specific hospital affiliations are listed. Dr. Vela practices at Surgical Associates Corpus Christi, LLP, a multi-surgeon general surgery group practice in Corpus Christi, Texas.