Dr. Erik Brink: A Lifelong Commitment to Care and Excellence in Surgery

June 14, 2024

Discovering a Passion for Helping Others

Dr. Erik Brink, DO, FACOS, FACS, began his journey into the medical field with an unexpected event during his elementary school years. “I did have an experience in elementary school where I had an incident where one of the children in the class had a grand mal seizure. I jumped in and not really knowing how to take care of him, just held his head while he seized until he was finished. And I just realized at that time that that was something that I think I was gifted to do is to help people in crisis,” Dr. Brink reflects. This pivotal moment sparked a lifelong passion for helping others, particularly in moments of crisis.

Serving the Country and Advancing Medical Skills

Driven by a desire to serve his country and support his family, Dr. Brink joined the Navy. “I had wanted to serve my country and the Navy gave me an opportunity that would help me support my family, pay for medical school, and allow me to take care of my family,” he explains. His time in the Navy was primarily spent as a trauma surgeon, where he honed his skills in high-pressure situations. “Surgery in the Navy was mainly being a trauma surgeon. We learned a lot of damage control type surgery, surgery in combat. I have done surgery in random places, in the belly of ships. I’ve done surgeries in a tent in the desert. I have done catastrophic injuries,” he recounts. These experiences not only developed his surgical expertise but also built his resilience and adaptability.

Embracing Minimally Invasive Techniques

Dr. Brink is a strong advocate for minimally invasive surgeries, such as robotic and laparoscopic procedures. “Robotic and laparoscopic, the minimally invasive surgeries do tend to be a better way for the patient to recover. Smaller incisions mean less pain, means that a patient’s recovery time is shortened. They’re able to get back to life more quickly,” he explains. By reducing the recovery time, these techniques allow patients to return to their normal activities much sooner compared to traditional open surgeries. “The big open surgeries do tend to take a longer recovery time in the hospital and out of the hospital, whereas the laparoscopic and robotic approaches, we can often cut that time in half,” Dr. Brink adds.

Versatility and Expertise in Various Procedures

Dr. Brink’s expertise extends to a wide range of procedures using robotic technology. “The procedures I’m doing on the robot currently, I’m doing a lot of hernias, inguinal hernias, umbilical hernias, ventral hernias. I’m doing hiatal hernias, but we’re also doing colon resections and gallbladders,” he outlines. However, he also acknowledges that open surgery is sometimes unavoidable, particularly in emergencies. “Open surgery sometimes is necessary, especially in emergent situations. You have somebody who is… Their life is threatened and speed is of the essence. It becomes important to do the best surgery at the best time for the patient,” he emphasizes.

Building Trust and Offering Hope

At the core of Dr. Brink’s approach to patient care is the relationship and trust he builds with his patients. “The most important part of taking care of patients is that you enter into a relationship and a contract with them. And as I take care of them, a lot of times I’m having to give them very bad news in the beginning. And I often see myself as a beacon of hope, that this isn’t a death sentence. I’ve seen this before. I’ve treated this before. I’ll get you through this,” he shares. Dr. Brink’s dedication to providing hope and support during challenging times is a testament to his commitment to patient care and excellence in surgery.

Advanced Specialty Care at Mason City Clinic

Dr. Brink’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the advanced specialty care offered at Mason City Clinic. Patients have access to cutting-edge medical technologies and skilled specialists close to home. Whether it’s minimally invasive robotic surgery or comprehensive specialty care, Mason City Clinic ensures that patients receive top-tier medical attention without the need to travel far. Dr. Brink and his colleagues at Mason City Clinic are dedicated to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those they serve. Watch Dr. Erik Brink tell his story here.