
Languages Spoken: English
Dr. Vargo's clinical practice involves basic general surgery, including gallbladder and hernia surgery. He utilizes basic and advanced techniques in performing these procedures, including minimally invasive surgery/laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
In addition, Dr. Vargo has a specialty practice in complex abdominal wall surgery, including large incisional/ventral hernias, parastomal hernias, and fistulas to the abdominal wall. He has performed more than 500 complex abdominal wall reconstructions and is considered one of the experts in this field. He is currently working to advance the techniques of robotic surgery as they apply to complex abdominal reconstruction.
Clinical Locations
General Surgery, Area E
801-587-7963
Fax: (801) 581-5839
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
Patient Rating
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
Likelihood of recommending care provider
4.8/ 5

Care provider's explanation of condition/problem
4.8/ 5

Care provider's effort to include me in decisions
4.8/ 5

Wait time at clinic
4.6/ 5

Care provider's concern for questions & worries
4.8/ 5

Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survery and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
UofU Patient
November 20, 2022
University Hospital
I was not told to stop taking Oxycodone. I have been taking Tramadol and hope that is okay?Also, the clinic notes state that he discussed the possibility of incarceration/strangulation. He did not tell me what I need to watch for and do if that happens.
UofU Patient
August 28, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Very nice Dr and staff. He was thorough in explaining everything.
UofU Patient
July 12, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr Vargo came highly recommended. He explained everything in great detail, and answered all my questions, even the dumb ones. I feel like he didn't judge me or my situation.
UofU Patient
July 11, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Very impressed with Dr. Vargo's professionalism and friendliness.
UofU Patient
July 11, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Surgeon seemed a bit brusque, as if I had annoyed him or was wasting his time. In just about 3 minutes just said he couldn't help me and to be satisfied to live with the problem. He's certainly an authority, but he had no advice for what to do or not do to keep the problem from getting worse. This was a major concern for me but I simply felt "dismissed."
UofU Patient
July 10, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
I'm coming all the way here fromReno, NV! So I know your better then what I have there!
UofU Patient
July 03, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Great experience. Felt listened to. Good explanations.
UofU Patient
May 31, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr. Vargo is an outstanding physician.
UofU Patient
May 08, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
The only glitch was a little gal who is learning to be a doctor told us to keep doing what we doing. That was the last thing we wanted to hear. It wasn't working! After 45 minutes she came back with Dr. Vargo and "we have decided the mesh needs to be removed." That's what we came to hear.
UofU Patient
April 26, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr. Vargo was terrific!
UofU Patient
April 19, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
I would have liked to have had the doctor go through the information and exam. The PA spent sufficient time with me and was good, but I would have preferred to have had the doctor.
UofU Patient
January 30, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr. Vargo is a great doctor.
UofU Patient
January 18, 2022
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
All good.
UofU Patient
December 20, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Not sure- seemed like I was encouraged to choose surgery but I was there to find out if I really have a hernia that needs surgery. I only met Dr. Varga briefly & he never examined me. Only the resident with a nurse looked at me. Now I worry that I'm going into surgery on a young resident's recommendation. I hope he doesn't plan on doing the surgery. I only want Dr. Vargo To make the decisions & do the surger
UofU Patient
December 13, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr Vargo was fantastic! It was the nurse practitioner that I didn't care for her attitude!!!!
UofU Patient
November 23, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Excellent
UofU Patient
October 31, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr. Vargo's resident was very helpful and described everything very clearly and succinctly.
UofU Patient
October 31, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr. Vargo not only addressed my issue in a clearly understandable way, but also educated me about exercise alternatives to prevent a flare-up.
UofU Patient
September 21, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Clarified my concerns and answered my questions.
UofU Patient
September 13, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Dr was very clear on how procedure would occur
UofU Patient
August 12, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
We felt that we were safe
UofU Patient
July 11, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Very knowledgeable. Able to discuss problem and provide concise but clear recommendations.
UofU Patient
June 30, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
very impressed with Dr. Vargo
UofU Patient
May 30, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Doctor is excellent! I am happy to refer others to him!
UofU Patient
May 12, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Both fellow and faculty were professional, pleasant and listed multiple options when appropriate
UofU Patient
May 07, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
I Care providers Dr. Varga and his very talented assistant, also an MD.
UofU Patient
March 01, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
good
UofU Patient
February 13, 2021
UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
I do not feel like I was heard. I left feeling like it was a complete waste of time and money for all.
Dr. Vargo's clinical practice involves basic general surgery, including gallbladder and hernia surgery. He utilizes basic and advanced techniques in performing these procedures, including minimally invasive surgery/laparoscopy and robotic surgery.
In addition, Dr. Vargo has a specialty practice in complex abdominal wall surgery, including large incisional/ventral hernias, parastomal hernias, and fistulas to the abdominal wall. He has performed more than 500 complex abdominal wall reconstructions and is considered one of the experts in this field. He is currently working to advance the techniques of robotic surgery as they apply to complex abdominal reconstruction.
Academic Locations
Board Certification and Academic Information
Academic Departments | Surgery
-
Professor (Clinical) |
Academic Divisions | General Surgery |
Research Interests
- Competency in Medical Education
- Resident Selection for Surgery
- Complex Abdominal Wall Defects
Education History
Diploma | University of Michigan Education MHPE, 2019 |
Fellowship | University of California - Davis Surgical Critical Care Fellow, 1999 |
Residency | University of Wisconsin Surgery Resident, 1998 |
Internship | University of Wisconsin Surgery Intern, 1993 |
Professional Medical | Baylor College of Medicine Medicine M.D., 1992 |
Undergraduate | University of Michigan Chemistry B.S., 1987 |
The Scope & Other Podcasts
- Preparing Your Body for Surgery Can Make Your Recovery Faster and More Painless
- The Evolution of Fluid Resuscitation in Trauma Patients - Daniel Vargo MD -12/14/2012
- Surgical Education Update - Dan Vargo MD - 06/06/12
- Video Message from Program Director
- Leadership Elective in General Surgery
- Rural Health Residency Program
- General Surgery Training Philosophy
- Residency Program Global Surgery 2013