Meet Stuart Abel, MD 

Dr. Abel is a general surgeon with Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in gastrointestinal and foregut procedures. He treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume.

Outside of work, he enjoys sports, reading and travel.

“I have been fortunate to cultivate numerous interests and hobbies throughout my life. Having family members spread across three continents, travel and exploration were passions I was born into, and I am always seeking new places to visit. This includes exploring Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with my wife. 

I have been active in sports since I was old enough to walk, and I have remained active in soccer, golf, skiing, snowboarding, running and weightlifting. I also enjoy reading science fiction and epic fantasy novels and watching TV shows and movies of the same genres.”

He looks up to his father and grandfather.

“My biggest role models have always been my dad and my maternal grandfather. My dad works harder than anyone I know and has achieved a lot in his life and his career. He is caring and supportive and has a calmness about him that I have always admired and tried to cultivate in myself. 

My grandfather was a radio technician who served as a Morse code interpreter for the British Royal Air Force during World War II. He had a great sense of humor, and his presence would light up the room, but it was his moral compass and sense of integrity that set him apart. I have always tried to emulate him in this way.”

The best advice he ever received:

“‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ My parents often said this to me as a kid and I frequently recall it when I’m facing day-to-day challenges. This advice is particularly significant in the field of medicine, as it keeps me grounded when making complex patient-care decisions.”

Seeing patients thrive is deeply satisfying.

“The most rewarding part of my job is the postoperative visit — when a patient returns to the clinic after undergoing surgery to address something that was either threatening their health or decreasing their quality of life. To see a smile where there once was fear, exhaustion, pain or suffering is both rewarding and humbling in ways that are hard to express.”

Listening is of utmost importance during every patient visit.

“I care about my patients, and I believe this is evident in my bedside manner. Being a good listener is paramount and vitally important in delivering exceptional care. Too often, patients say they’ve felt dismissed during previous health care experiences, and I am committed to ensuring they feel much more comfortable and empowered in my care.”

He’s a committed team member.

“I chose to practice at an academic medical center because I believe in the value of working in a collegial environment. I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and learn from other experts in a variety of subspecialities. This allows us to offer unrivaled patient care and helps me continually improve my own skill set.”

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