Mauricio Bassante, MD
General & Acute Care Surgery
- Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
- Hospital: MUSC Health – Orangeburg
- Current Role: Trauma Medical Director
- Current Role: Trauma Medical Director amp; General Surgeon
- Military: Major, U.S. Army Reserves
Professional Background
Dr. Mauricio Bassante is a board-certified general surgeon with extensive experience in trauma, acute care, and elective general surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques using the latest da Vinci 5 (DV5) system, as well as advanced endoscopy. Patients appreciate his clear communication, technical expertise, and genuine concern for their comfort and recovery.
He currently serves as Trauma Medical Director at MUSC Health – Orangeburg. He is a Former Chair of Surgery and Former Chief of Staff at the same institution. In these leadership roles he has focused on quality improvement, enhanced recovery pathways (especially for colorectal surgery patients), and the safe adoption of robotic technology in acute surgical care.
Dr. Bassante is also a military surgeon and currently serves as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, allowing him to provide care that is culturally sensitive and easy to understand for a wide range of patients.
Education & Training
Medical School
Catholic University of Ecuador
Residency
East Tennessee State University / Quillen College of Medicine – General Surgery
Certifications & Roles
- American Board of Surgery – General Surgery
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
- Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS)
- Training in robotic surgery (da Vinci 5) and advanced endoscopic procedures
- Major, U.S. Army Reserves
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Bassante believes that the best surgical outcomes begin with listening carefully to each patient, explaining options in plain language, and choosing the least invasive approach that will achieve a durable result. He is a strong advocate for enhanced recovery protocols that help patients leave the hospital sooner and return to normal activity with less discomfort.
Whether performing a complex robotic hernia repair or a routine endoscopy, his goal remains the same: safe surgery, clear communication, and a recovery that respects the patient’s life and responsibilities outside the hospital.
Quality & Research Focus
Dr. Bassante has led quality-improvement initiatives including enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery and improved glycemic management for surgical patients with diabetes. He regularly presents on the role of robotic techniques in acute care surgery and remains engaged in efforts to elevate surgical standards across the region.