WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Dr. Nik Teppara recently completed his 2,000th robotic-assisted procedure using the da Vinci surgical system. He currently performs robotic-assisted procedures at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center, Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center and Novant Health Medical Park Hospital.
Teppara, who practices at Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates in Kernersville, Winston-Salem and High Point, has performed more general surgery robotic cases than any surgeon in the Triad. He ranks as the sixth most experienced da Vinci general surgeon in North Carolina, is among the top 5% in the United States and serves as a robotic proctor, traveling to evaluate new surgeons after they complete their training.
“I was an early adopter of robotic surgery because I saw its potential to completely transform patient care,” said Teppara. “It helps us perform complex procedures with incredible precision, which means less pain, smaller incisions and faster recoveries for our patients.”
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In good company
Novant Health operates 39 da Vinci surgical systems across the Carolinas and has used this technology to assist with more than 100,000 robotic-assisted surgical procedures.
In the Triad, Novant Health has 11 da Vinci-trained surgeons who have each completed more than 1,000 cases. At the time of this publication, Dr. Joshua Rickey, Teppara’s fellow surgeon at Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates, has also reached his 2,000th robotic case.
The da Vinci surgical system features advanced imaging technology and four robotic arms that the surgeon controls in the operating room. The system supports a wide range of general, bariatric, colorectal, thoracic, urologic and gynecologic surgeries.
Humble beginnings
Teppara started his medical career as an operating room technician, mopping the floor between cases when he was just 17. He went on to become a nurse technician and anesthesia technician before becoming one of the busiest surgeons in the Triad.
“Being the child of first-generation immigrants meant several messages were ingrained in my siblings and me,” said Teppara. “Our parents expected us to work hard, finish what we started, push to succeed and never complain.”
Teppara specializes in general and bariatric surgery. His expertise includes procedures of the small and large intestines, appendix, gallbladder, as well as hernia repair and bariatric surgery. He serves on a multidisciplinary team of surgeons who are all robotically trained in using the da Vinci surgical system.
More information about the nationally recognized Novant Health Surgical Institute is available at NovantHealth.org/Services/Surgery.
Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates locations
Novant Health Surgical Associates offers four convenient locations in the Triad:
- The Clemmons clinic is located at 7126 Village Medical Circle and sees patients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 336-765-5221 or learn more by visiting NovantHealth.org/SalemSurgicalClemmons.
- The Kernersville clinic is located at 1710 Kernersville Medical Blvd. and sees patients Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 336-564-4873 or learn more by visiting NovantHealth.org/SalemSurgicalKernersville.
- The High Point clinic is located at 1226 Eastchester Drive and sees patients every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The clinic is also open every other Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients can call 336-765-5221 to schedule an appointment or learn more by visiting NovantHealth.org/SalemSurgicalHighPoint.
- The Winston-Salem clinic is located at 2915 Lyndhurst Ave. and sees patients Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 336-765-5221 or learn more by visiting NovantHealth.org/SalemSurgicalWS.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 900 locations, including 21 hospitals, nearly 800 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our nearly 44,000 team members along with more than 9,100 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2025, Novant Health provided more than $2.1 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
