John Porterfield, MD, MSPH, FACS
Founder & President
John Porterfield, MD, MSPH, FACS
Founder & President
As Founder and President of Apex PA Surgical Services (A-PASS), Dr. John Porterfield brings more than two decades of surgical, academic, and organizational leadership to the mission of redefining how surgical teams deliver care. Through Apex, he partners with hospitals, practices, and physician assistants to build consistent, high-performing teams that advance surgical excellence across every setting.
In addition to leading Apex, Dr. Porterfield serves as President of Clarus Surgery, a Birmingham-based surgical practice focused on minimally invasive and robotic endocrine procedures, and as Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Informed Surgical, an educational initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, communication, and transparency in the operating room. Together, these organizations reflect his vision for a more connected, patient-centered future in surgery—one built on clarity, trust, and teamwork.
Empowering Surgical Teams Through Leadership, Education & Innovation
Dr. Porterfield’s career has included training and leadership roles at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he served for over a decade as Program Director of the General Surgery Residency. Known for his mentorship and composure under pressure, he has trained hundreds of surgeons and PAs nationwide, shaping the next generation of surgical leaders. His expertise in robotic and minimally invasive endocrine surgery continues to inform Apex’s model—one that blends surgical innovation with operational excellence.
Vision & Approach
Dr. Porterfield founded Apex PA Surgical Services to empower surgical teams through partnership. By aligning highly trained PAs with surgeons and facilities through a collaborative, revenue-sharing model, Apex ensures reliable coverage, improved efficiency, and elevated outcomes—without the overhead or staffing challenges of traditional models. His leadership continues to drive Apex’s mission of supporting surgeons so they can focus on what matters most: delivering safe, precise, and exceptional care.
Beyond the OR, Dr. Porterfield finds balance exploring Oak Mountain State Park’s trails, restoring vintage equipment, and studying scripture and history. Guided by the principle “Empower others, and excellence follows,” he continues to inspire innovation, education, and teamwork across every organization he leads.
