Ben R. Veenstra, M.D.

Ben R. Veenstra, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., is a board-certified advanced gastrointestinal and bariatric surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He cares for patients with a wide range of conditions affecting the digestive system and abdominal wall, including obesity, hernias, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones, appendicitis, cholecystitis and small bowel obstruction.

When surgery is appropriate, Dr. Veenstra uses advanced minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic surgery, with the goal of helping patients recover more comfortably and return to the people and activities they enjoy.

Dr. Veenstra's areas of expertise include:

• Bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, revision surgery and complex bariatric procedures
• Hernia repair, including robotic ventral hernia repair
• Abdominal wall reconstruction
• Cholecystectomy and appendectomy
• Diagnostic laparoscopy
• Minimally invasive gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery

He takes a thoughtful, individualized approach to each patient, recognizing that no two people come to surgery with exactly the same needs, concerns or goals. Dr. Veenstra believes patients should feel informed, heard and supported throughout their care. His philosophy is centered on partnership, education and shared decision-making.

"My goal is to make sure patients understand their options and feel confident in the treatment plan we choose together," says Dr. Veenstra. "When surgery is the right answer, I want to use the most effective and least invasive approach possible while keeping the individual person, not just the condition, at the center of care."

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Veenstra is actively involved in research and surgical education. His interests include bariatric and hernia surgery outcomes, surgical education and simulation. He has held numerous teaching and leadership roles throughout his career, reflecting his commitment to advancing surgical education and helping train the next generation of surgeons.

Dr. Veenstra is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Throughout his career, Dr. Veenstra has been recognized for excellence in education, patient care and academic achievement. His honors include the 2025 Teacher of the Year Award for Surgery and Surgical Specialties at Mayo Clinic in Florida, the Phoenix Award from Rush Medical College and the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Veenstra enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new music, especially jam bands, attending live shows and hanging out with his family.