CONNEAUT — A Michigan surgeon has stitched up a gaping vacancy at UH Conneaut Medical Center.

Dr. Benjamin Bryant, 60, was recently appointed the hospital’s medical director of surgical services. He is the first general surgeon at the Conneaut hospital in more than three years.

“(Bryant) comes to us at a very pivotal time as we transform our Conneaut facility into the premier choice of health care and outpatient surgical expertise for area residents,” Robert David, interim CMC president, said in a statement.

He is a university-trained, board certified surgeon with more than 15 years experience in laparoscopic and traditional surgical techniques. He is able to provide patients gynecological, gastrointestinal endoscopy, hernia, gall bladder, breast and abdominal procedures.

It didn’t take Bryant and wife of 36 years, Laura, long to become fans of the area and CMC.

“This is my town,” he said. “We are very supportive of it. We find this area absolutely charming. We like the small-town atmosphere.”

The hospital offers cutting-edge technology and a devoted administration and staff, Bryant said.

“On my first visit I knew this was the place I wanted to come,” he said. “I’ve never met a hospital staff as friendly and dedicated. It’s an absolute pleasure to be here.”

To his surprise, Bryant discovered a small-city hospital contained state-of-the-art medical apparatus — and more equipment may be on the way.

“(CMC) has developed a reputation as a place to get sophisticated care,” he said. “We have everything to do minimally-invasive procedures.”

As a result, Conneaut-area patients don’t have to drive miles away for specialized treatment. “Access is important,” Bryant said.

Ashtabula County winters won’t chase Bryant away. He was reared in western Michigan and most recently operated a private practice in Battle Creek, Mich. He graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed a residency in general surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center and chief residency at the Indiana University Medical Center in General Surgery.

The Bryants have four grown children, including a son in the Marines and a daughter married to a Marine helicopter pilot who has served three tours of duty in Iraq. When time permits, Bryant expects to pull some fish from Lake Erie.

“I plan to test the perch fishing,” he said.

Bryant expects to see patients for another 15 years.