POTSDAM -- Potsdam general surgeon Charles R. Wilson has been awarded certification by the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

Board certification is a voluntary and multistep process that takes many years. Wilson joined the medical staff of Canton-Potsdam Hospital in September 2008 following residency. Since then he has pioneered many advanced surgical procedures never done before in the North Country, including one of only 50 documented total laparoscopic total abdominopractocolectomy surgeries in the world.

Through CPH Wilson became the first general surgeon in northern New York to perform laparoscopic adrenalectomy surgery, and is the only general surgeon in St. Lawrence County offering laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery and laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias.

Wilson received his medical training at St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies and completed his residency in General Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, N.J., a joint surgical residency with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, N.J.

Wilson completed additional training in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering in Manhattan and trauma/critical care at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Certification by ABS is recognition of surgeons “who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge” in their area of specialization, according to the ABS guidelines.

Wilson’s practice is at 15 Raymond Street in Potsdam. To make an appointment with Wilson, patients may call 265-1055.