Dr. Santo was born and raised on Long Island, New York. He attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he majored in Economics and was an infielder and captain for the men’s baseball team. He completed his pre-medical requirements at Columbia University in New York City after graduation and then medical school at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in eastern Long Island. He completed his general surgery training at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon then his two-year vascular surgery fellowship training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He moved back to Portland in 2017, joining the vascular surgery team at Providence. He joined his vascular colleagues to assist in developing the growing practice of Oregon Vascular Specialists and help expand their mission to the Portland metropolitan area.
In Dr. Santo’s own words, “Human medicine is the most fascinating and intimate profession I can imagine. I chose vascular surgery because it is fun, challenging and evolving so rapidly. Helping people understand their disease and helping support them through difficult times is the role I take most seriously as a medical provider. I especially enjoy earning the trust of patients, their families and helping people get better. I believe in honest and compassionate care that is often best delivered by listening to patients rather than talking to them.
I also take pride in advocating for patients that at times have lacked a consistent, positive relationship within our healthcare system. Patients can expect me to be an honest, approachable surgeon who takes his responsibility to care for them very seriously. I always strive for a safe, well thought-out, individualized treatment plan that we make together. Ultimately, I hope to create a long-lasting relationship with our team so that we can take care of a patient’s life-long vascular health needs.
I was born and raised in New York alongside my five siblings. After a few decades living in the Northeast, I was fortunate to discover the Pacific Northwest early in my training. My wife, sons and dog are thrilled to have been lucky enough to make Portland our home again and continue enjoying all the Northwest has to offer.”
