What got you into this specific practice of medicine?
I wanted more of a challenge. I decided to pursue a surgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. Surgery demands extensive general medical knowledge, an in depth appreciation of anatomy, and technical skills. It is a challenge and a pleasure to master new procedures and skills and to integrate new technologies into my practice.
What landed you in your city and what do you like about the neighborhood?
I was born and raised in South Texas. After my surgical residency at UTHSC San Antonio, I accepted a partnership with a surgical group in Joplin, MO. After 3 years in Missouri I wanted to return to my home state of Texas. My family and I decided that San Marcos, Texas was a good fit. I like the familiarity and the friendships that are part of practicing in a smaller city. Each time I go shopping at the local HEB grocery store (which is often) I see and speak with my current and past patients and their families.
Where did you receive your undergrad and professional degrees and residencies?
I completed my undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin (Summa Cum Laude) in 1976. I was then accepted to medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB). I graduated in the top 3% of my graduating classed in 1981. I did a family medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas during 1981-1984. I then went on to do a surgical residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas during 1984-1989.
What year did you begin practicing?
Shortly after completing my surgery residency in 1989, I accepted a partnership with a surgical group in Joplin, Missouri. After three years with this group my family and I decided that we wanted to return to Texas. We agreed that San Marcos was a great fit for us and I opened my surgical practice here in March of 1992.
Do you belong to any professional Associations?
I do. I am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). I am an active participant in the local Tri-County Medical Society. We meet monthly in different places in the area. Usually the meetings are educational and provide continuing education for all that attend. I am also a member of the Texas Medical Association, The American College of Phlebology, American College of Surgeons, and The American College of Surgeons, South Texas Branch.
What investments in you practice equipment and facilities have you made?
We have a GE LOGIQ Ultrasound, Tickle Lipo equipment, Cutera Laser for hair removal and collagen renewal, and a Varilase laser for the treatment of varicose veins. We have sophisticated instrument processing and sterilizing equipment to meet the needs of our in-office surgeries. We have a large selection of surgical instruments allowing us to perform numerous office-based surgical procedures. Our facility is designed to optimize patient care and comfort. Our office has its own easy access parking.
What procedures do you feel your practice excels in above others?
We specialize in the treatment of varicose and spider veins. We use EVLT laser or the VNUS (radio frequency) vein ablation to treat the large varicose veins. Since we have a GE Ultrasound we are able to diagnose and treat the exact vein that is causing the patients varices. Our ultrasound also allows Dr. Schlotter to provide diagnostic imaging for the breast, thyroid, carotid and other soft tissue during our patient’s initial visit instead of having to send the to another facility. Our clinic uses Tickle Lipo to do body sculpting. It is an extremely safe, quick and gentle vibrating way to do liposuction. Tickle Lipo does not generate any heat thus eliminating any risk of laser burn injuries under the skin. We also offer general and vascular surgeries such as laparoscopic gallbladders, thyroidectomies, hernia repairs, and breast biopsies. These types of surgeries are done in ambulatory surgery center (ACS) in an outpatient setting. Surgeries that are performed in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ACS) save money for both the patient and the insurance companies.
What are the most challenging parts of your everyday practice?
My challenges are educating my patients and my staff: providing quality care and individual attention to each patient; studying and reading to update and to expand my medical knowledge; as a clinical preceptor at UTMB Galveston for the physicians’ assistant students (PA), providing a rich educational experience for each PA that does a clinical rotation in my clinic.
What are the best moments that make it worthwhile?
I appreciate the smiles and hugs that I and my staff receive from our patients and the comradelier between my staff.
What are your office hours?
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Closed for lunch between 12:30-1:30 pm. Friday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
What HMO or PPO providers are you in-network with? Do you offer financing?
BCBS, Aetna, Humana, PHCS, WellMed, Physician Health Choice, United HealthCare, Cigna, Texas Municipal League. We offer Care Credit to patients for long term no interest financing.
Do you accept any government programs?
Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Tricare.
