About Us
We are a five surgeon, general surgery practice located in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. We perform General, Advanced Laparoscopic, Vascular, Endovascular and Thoracic surgery, as well as Endoscopy. Some of the most advanced surgical techniques in the region can be found right here in Uniontown. “We have a technique for removing the gallbladder through three tiny incisions that very few other doctors are able to do,” comments Dr. Michael Reilly.
Laurel Ridge Surgical Associates practice is based on a commitment to excellence in the specialty of general surgery and to providing all patients with expert care and complete satisfaction. Our surgeons combine attention to detail with an individualized approach to each patient’s needs. We rely on surgical expertise, clinical experience and judgment, as well as personal integrity, to ensure the best possible surgical outcomes. Our practice is patient-focused and our staff shares dedication and commitment to excellent patient care and service.
Dr. David C. Blass
M.D., FACS
Founded practice in 1977
Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV
Internship: West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, WV
Fellowship: Ohio Valley Medical Center, Wheeling, WV
Residency: West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, WV
Board Status: Surgery – Certified
Dr. Josef J. Vanek
M.D., FACS
Partner (sub-specialty – Vascular Surgery)
Medical School: SUNY, Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY
Internship: St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, NJ
Fellowship: Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Browns Mills, NJ
Residency: St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, NJ
Board Status: Surgery - Certified
Dr. Michael J. Reilly
M.D., FACS
President (sub-specialty – Breast Surgery)
Medical School: Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH
Internship: Mount Carmel Health, Columbus, OH
Residency: Mount Carmel Health, Columbus, OH
Board Status: Surgery - Certified
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
What does this mean?
The letters “FACS” after a surgeon’s name indicates that he or she is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Fellows of the College are board-certified surgeons whose education, training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have been reviewed and evaluated prior to admittance and have been found to be consistent with the high standards of the American College of Surgeons. Not all surgeons are accepted into Fellowship in the College and there are some surgeons who may choose not to become Fellows. The letters “FACS” after a surgeon’s name indicates that the surgeon has submitted to a process to obtain voluntary credential and performance evaluation by their peers.
Certified by the American Board of Surgery
What does this mean?
To be certified by the American Board of Surgery means that the surgeon has met a standard in surgery by fulfilling specified educational, evaluation and examination requirements. Since 1976, the American Board of Surgery has issued certificates that are valid for ten years. Once certified, the surgeon who wishes to maintain certified status upon expiration of the original certificate must complete a recertification process which includes a review of credentials to determine if the surgeon has continued surgical education, is respected by peers and is active in the practice of surgery. Successful completion of a written examination completes the recertification process. Upon satisfactory completion of the recertification process, the surgeon’s certification is extended for another ten years.







