Growing up in Rhode Island, Dr. Paul Arcand learned quickly how a doctor could have a big effect on his community. “My father is a Family Practitioner, and when I was a boy people would stop me on the street and tell me how grateful they were that my father had helped them or a loved one through an illness. It really had a profound affect on me – that people were so grateful for their care. I think that was the main reason I decided to become a doctor.”

As an award-winning surgeon at Reliant Medical Group, Dr. Arcand has a lot of opportunities to help people. He performs many different types of surgeries including general, laparoscopic, and bariatric surgery. “I really love operating. I think all surgeons do. Whether it’s a laparoscopic gall bladder removal or a colorectal procedure, the surgical component is always very challenging and rewarding,” he explains. “Most importantly, as a surgeon, you have the opportunity to really make a difference in people’s health and well-being and that’s very satisfying.”

In 2004, Dr. Arcand was named Innovator of the Year at Reliant Medical Group for his pioneering work in the Bariatric Surgery Program. The program takes a multi-disciplinary team approach to helping highly obese people lose weight and become healthier physically, mentally and emotionally. Reliant Medical Group nutritionists, behavioral medicine therapists and other caregivers partner with patients and provide intensive counseling to prepare them for this life transformation. If the team feels the patient would benefit from surgery after the counseling is complete, Dr. Arcand performs the gastric bypass procedure. “The team approach we take is very selective, and has made the program very successful. We work hard to address the underlying issues of why the patient is obese. The surgery is really just one aspect of this program which has helped many patients improve their quality of life.”

Whether he is in or out of the operating room Dr. Arcand enjoys the atmosphere of working at Reliant Medical Group. “There’s a lot of camaraderie here. Whether surgeons, nurses or staff we are all part of the same team, working toward a common goal of healing people and getting them home as soon as we can. I really enjoy being a part of that.”

When he’s not busy with his surgical practice, Dr. Arcand enjoys being at home with his wife and family. He and his wife have three children and they enjoy many types of family activities. Dr. Arcand also enjoys outdoor pursuits such as fishing and hunting. “I’ve always liked working with my hands, whether it’s in the operating room or at home on the weekends. I guess that’s just the way surgeons are.”