Robert Yates, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery and devotes his professional time exclusively to the clinical care of patients as a board-certified surgeon. He evaluates patients at the Montlake and Northwest Campuses of University of Washington Medical Center and at the Eastside Specialty Center in Bellevue, WA. He also serves on several University of Washington Medical Center committees that are committed to improving the quality of patient care.

As a surgeon in the University of Washington Hernia Center, Dr. Yates focuses on the comprehensive evaluation and management of all types of abdominal wall hernias. He is committed to providing patients with a complete understanding of their specific hernia condition, the options available to repair the hernia, and work with patients to decide the best treatment plan according to their desires and goals. Although not every patient with a hernia needs surgery, Dr. Yates has advanced specialty training in minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) surgical techniques well as complex open hernia surgery, which allows him to tailor surgical treatments to each individual patient’s needs.

Dr. Yates also works in the University of Washington Center for Esophageal and Gastric Surgery where he evaluates and treats patients with benign (non-cancer) conditions of the stomach and esophagus. These conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal and paraesophageal hernia, and achalasia. Dr. Yates has a focused interest in these conditions that lead him to complete a two-year advanced surgical fellowship devoted specifically to stomach and esophageal surgery.