Emma S. Walker, D.O.

Biography:

With a keen interest in both science and helping others, Savannah native, Dr. Emma S. Walker knew becoming a physician was the perfect job for her. On her journey to achieve this goal, Dr. Walker received her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Pre-medical at Auburn University and then went on to the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia to get her Graduate Level Certificate in Medical Science. Following this, she attended the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Stratford, New Jersey for a Masters of Biomedical Science degree. Dr. Walker received her medical degree at the same school’s Osteopathic Medical School and fulfilled her General Surgery residency at Inspira Health Network at the Inspira Medical Center Vineland in Vineland, New Jersey. 

After finishing up her education and obtaining the experience needed to start her career, it was time for Dr. Walker to select a medical specialty. Her “lightbulb moment”came after working in the emergency room and witnessing first-hand the emotional and physical stress patients face when going through health emergencies. From this experience, Dr. Walker knew she wanted to pursue a field of medicine that entailed all aspects of working up the diagnosis, performing the surgical procedure to remove the disease, and helping her patients feel better. General Surgery proved to be the ideal specialty for her to pursue.

“General Surgery allows me to work with a wide variety of patients, from all walks and stages of life. I’m given the opportunity to use a wide variety of knowledge and technical skills every day I come into work. This can be challenging, but also super rewarding.”

In particular during her residency training, Dr. Walker remembers vividly when her diverse medical training allowed her to help a critically injured gunshot victim who came into the trauma center. She took the 30-year-old back to the operating room and assisted in repairing his multiple wounds. 

“I was with him during the entire process. I helped perform the surgery when he first came in, was tasked with discussing his injuries with his family, watched him fight to heal from the procedure, eventually have his breathing tube taken out, and  finally be able to make it out of the trauma ICU,” said Dr. Walker. “After almost witnessing his death countless times, the feeling of helping him make it to the other side of the healing process was indescribable.”

To this day, Dr. Walker treasures the opportunity to help a wide variety of patients with a diverse array of health issues. For her, taking the time to help the patient understand their disease process or illness, how surgery can treat the problem, and what to expect after surgery is a critical part of her job.

“The most important thing for me is to put my patient first," Dr. Walker explained. "I love to sit down with the patient and walk them through everything about the surgery they're to receive, so they’re entirely informed. If I need to draw anything out or explain everything multiple times, I will gladly do it. When a patient leaves my office at ease and with an understanding of both the problem and the procedure recommended, it hits home for me."

Outside of the office, Dr. Walker loves spending time with her husband, their dog, and cat. She also enjoys reading, painting, and sewing.