Michael Svestka, MD, FACS, a general surgeon specializing in advanced abdominal wall reconstruction and hernia care at Virginia Hernia & General Surgery in Fairfax, Virginia, has been named a 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. This is the first year Dr. Svestka has received the designation, which is awarded to only 7 percent of licensed physicians nationwide based on peer nominations and a physician-led review process.
Dr. Svestka's practice focuses on comprehensive hernia management, from routine groin and ventral hernias to complex recurrent cases and mesh complications. He is trained in the Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) technique, an advanced method for repairing large or recurrent abdominal wall defects, which he studied at the Cleveland Clinic Comprehensive Hernia Center. His surgical repertoire includes open, minimally invasive, and reconstructive approaches.
“Being recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor is a tremendous honor, particularly because the selection process is driven by peer recognition,” Dr. Svestka said. “To me, it reflects not only surgical expertise, but also the trust of colleagues, patients, and the broader medical community.” He emphasized his philosophy of individualized care, noting that hernia surgery requires tailored treatment plans based on each patient's anatomy, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
Dr. Svestka earned his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in 2013 and completed a general surgery residency at Stony Brook University Hospital, where he served as Administrative Chief Resident and received five teaching awards. He then pursued fellowship training in abdominal wall reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, training directly with surgeons who advanced the TAR technique. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and holds memberships in the American Hernia Society and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the journal Surgical Endoscopy.
The Castle Connolly Top Doctor selection process involves nominations from board-certified physicians, followed by evaluation of nominees' medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary history. Doctors cannot pay for the recognition. The list is published at castleconnolly.com and in partner publications.
