About Christopher L. Madsen, MD
Christopher L. Madsen, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon who returned to his hometown of Reno, Nevada, to join Western Surgical Group and serve the community where he grew up. A fourth-generation Nevadan with deep roots in Northern Nevada, Dr. Madsen graduated from Reno High School and completed both his undergraduate and medical education at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to his home state.
Following medical school, Dr. Madsen completed his General Surgery residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, where he developed a comprehensive foundation in general surgical procedures. Seeking to specialize further, he completed a prestigious research fellowship in wound healing and soft tissue regeneration at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical research institutions. This was followed by an additional 18 months of intensive clinical fellowship training focused on burn and wound care, breast disease, and soft tissue reconstruction.
Dr. Madsen’s advanced fellowship training at Johns Hopkins gives him unique expertise in managing complex wounds and challenging soft tissue conditions. His research background in wound healing and tissue regeneration allows him to provide specialized care for wounds that have failed to heal with conventional treatment, including chronic wounds, surgical wound complications, and difficult soft tissue reconstructions.
Specialized Expertise
Dr. Madsen’s fellowship training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in wound healing and soft tissue regeneration provides him with advanced skills in managing complex surgical cases. His research background combined with extensive clinical fellowship training positions him uniquely to treat challenging conditions requiring specialized wound care and tissue reconstruction.
Education & Training
- Clinical Fellowship, Burn and Wound Care, Breast Disease, and Soft Tissue Reconstruction (18 months)
- Research Fellowship, Wound Healing and Soft Tissue Regeneration, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Residency, General Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- Undergraduate Education, University of Nevada, Reno
- Board Certified, General Surgery
Areas of Expertise
- Breast Surgery: Both cancerous and non-cancerous breast conditions including breast cancer, fibroadenomas, and other breast masses
- Complex Wound Care: Specialized treatment for chronic wounds, non-healing surgical wounds, and complicated soft tissue injuries
- Skin and Soft Tissue Surgery: Treatment of skin cancers, soft tissue masses, and reconstructive procedures
- Advanced and Robotic Hernia Repair: Minimally invasive and robotic techniques for inguinal, ventral, and incisional hernias
- Gallbladder Surgery: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and gallbladder disease
- Colorectal Surgery: Surgical treatment for colon and rectal conditions
- Burn and Wound Care: Specialized fellowship training in acute burn treatment and chronic wound management
- Soft Tissue Reconstruction: Reconstructive procedures following trauma, cancer resection, or complex wound management
Johns Hopkins Research Background
Dr. Madsen’s research fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine focused on wound healing and soft tissue regeneration at the cellular and molecular level. This scientific foundation informs his clinical approach to complex wound care, allowing him to apply evidence-based strategies for promoting tissue healing and managing challenging reconstructive cases.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Madsen is committed to patient education and believes that informed patients make better healthcare decisions. He takes the time to ensure patients thoroughly understand their diagnosis, treatment options, risks and benefits, and what to expect during recovery. His approach combines technical surgical expertise with clear communication and compassionate care, helping patients feel confident and supported throughout their surgical journey.
Community Connection
As a fourth-generation Nevadan and Reno High School graduate, Dr. Madsen has a deep personal connection to Northern Nevada. After completing his advanced surgical training on the East Coast, he chose to return home to serve the community that shaped him. His decision to practice in Reno reflects his commitment to providing high-quality surgical care to his neighbors and contributing to the health of his hometown.
Personal Life
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Madsen enjoys spending quality time with his wife and young child. He stays active by taking advantage of Northern Nevada’s outdoor recreation opportunities, including camping, fishing, hiking, and golfing. He also enjoys playing soccer, maintaining the active lifestyle that the region offers. His love for the outdoors and family time reflects the balance he brings to both his personal and professional life.
Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Madsen’s combination of comprehensive general surgery training, specialized fellowship education at one of the nation’s premier medical institutions, and dedication to his Northern Nevada roots makes him a valuable addition to Western Surgical Group. Whether performing complex wound care procedures informed by his research background, conducting advanced robotic hernia repairs, or providing compassionate breast cancer care, Dr. Madsen brings technical expertise, scientific knowledge, and a genuine commitment to serving his community. His return to Reno ensures that patients in Northern Nevada have access to specialized surgical care without having to travel outside the region.
