
Dr. Steven Paynter, MD, FACS
Surgeon
1504 Broadrick Dr Dalton GA, 30720About
Dr. Steve Paynter is a general surgeon practicing in Dalton, GA. Dr. Paynter has over 30 years of experience and specializes in surgery of the abdominal contents including the esophagus, colon, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, hernias and often thyroid and parathyroid glands. He specializes in treatment of GERD and hiatal hernia, including use of the LINX device. He also treats colon and other cancers. Most surgeries are done laparoscopically or with the robot. He is currently serving as the Trauma Medical Director, and Chair of the Ethics committee for Hamilton Medical Center. He is also the current President of the Whitfield/Murray County Medical Society and the Executive Medical Director of Hamilton Physician Group. He has previously served as President of the Medical Staff, Chair of the Dept of Surgery, and on the hospital and system boards. He has led numerous surgical mission trips to the Carribean and to Central and South America. He was the first general surgeon in north Georgia and southeast Tennessee to perform surgery with the DaVinci Robot. He was the first surgeon in the region to offer the new LINX procedure for hiatal hernia and reflux management. General surgeons are able to deal with almost any surgical or critical care emergency, also involving the skin or soft tissue trauma. Dr. Paynter provides high quality surgical service for gravely ill or injured patients and is able to respond quickly due to knowledge of various surgical procedures.
Education and Training
Med Coll of Ga Sch of Med, Augusta Ga 1983
Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University 1983
Board Certification
SurgeryAmerican Board of SurgeryABS
Provider Details

Dr. Steven Paynter, MD, FACS's Expert Contributions
Can I eat if I suspect appendicitis?
If you suspect appendicitis it is best not to eat. The main reason is that if you do have appendicitis and you need emergency surgery, having an empty stomach makes the anesthesia safer. A full stomach at the start of anesthesia could lead to vomiting, and if it gets down into your lungs, you could develop severe and even life threatening pneumonia. READ MORE
Where do you press to check for appendicitis?
Early on in appendicitis, there is usually a vague abdominal discomfort. As the appendix becomes more inflamed there is usually more tenderness in the right lower abdomen, classically 2/3rds of the way from the umbilicus to the right hip. However, there are many patients who do not have classic symptoms and usually the diagnosis is based on many findings other than just checking for pain. READ MORE
When should I worry about hernia pain?
Many patients do not have pain with a hernia, and are not aware of a hernia until found on an examination. Severe pain, that is unrelenting could indicate the bowel has become trapped and requires emergency surgery. Mild pain or discomfort is very common and may be the first hint that there is a hernia, and while that may be a nuisance is not usually a serious problem. There are studies that show that patients that have significant pain before surgery are more likely to have chronic longterm pain even after repair. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery Medical College of Georgia 2018 - Present
Treatments
- Hiatal Hernia
- Acid Reflux
- Venous Insufficiency
- Lymphoma
- Gallstones
- Hernia
- Vascular Disease
Professional Memberships
- American Medical Association
- American College of Surgeons
Professional Society Memberships
- Society of Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeons ( SLS),
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Nearby Providers
- Vincent Wayne Gardner M.D.7446 Shallowford Rd Chattanooga TN 37421
- Dr. Robert Alexander Burns MD1109 Burleyson Road Dalton GA 30722
- Mr. William Leon Theus MD1035 Redbud Rd Calhoun GA 30701
- Dr. Richard F Fromm M.D.1504 Broadrick Dr Dalton GA 30720
- Dr. David Barton Waters M.D.1504 N Thornton Ave Dalton GA 30720
- Dr. Daniel L. Heithold MD4700 Battlefield Pkwy Ringgold GA 30736
Nearest Hospitals
HAMILTON MEDICAL CENTERl
1200 MEMORIAL DRIVE DALTON GA 30720HUTCHESON MEDICAL CENTERl
100 GROSS CRESCENT FORT OGLETHORPE GA 30742MURRAY MEDICAL CENTERl
707 OLD DALTON ELLIJAY ROAD, PO BOX 1406 CHATSWORTH GA 30705