John R. Porterfield, Jr., MD, MSPH, FACS
President
As President at Clarus Surgery, Dr. John Porterfield leads with vision, precision, and a steadfast commitment to patient safety and surgical excellence. With more than two decades of clinical and academic experience, he has built Clarus Surgery around the belief that clarity, compassion, and innovation belong at the center of every surgical experience.
Dr. Porterfield also serves as President of Apex PA Surgical Services (A-PASS) and Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Informed Surgical, where he continues to shape the future of surgical support, education, and collaboration across health systems.
Through each of these organizations, he works to redefine how surgical teams deliver care—empowering patients and providers alike to achieve exceptional outcomes.
Background & Expertise
Dr. Porterfield’s surgical career has taken him from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to the Mayo Clinic and back to UAB, where he trained and taught among some of the most accomplished surgeons in the world. He spent over a decade leading the General Surgery Residency Program at UAB, mentoring a generation of future surgeons while refining his expertise in endocrine and minimally invasive surgery. Known for his composure under pressure and ability to navigate complex cases with skill and empathy, Dr. Porterfield thrives in challenging environments and believes that growth often comes through conflict, innovation, and collaboration.
Approach to Care
At the heart of Dr. Porterfield’s philosophy is a simple principle: treat every patient as if they were family. He approaches each surgical decision with this mindset—prioritizing safety, compassion, and outcomes over expedience. His focus on robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques reflects his dedication to improving recovery, precision, and long-term results for patients. As a leader, he empowers his team to innovate, think critically, and continuously improve, ensuring Clarus Surgery’s care model evolves with both science and humanity in mind.
Beyond the Practice
Outside of surgery, Dr. Porterfield finds renewal in the trails of Oak Mountain State Park, often walking or running to clear his mind. He enjoys restoring vintage mechanical and electronic equipment, studying scripture and history, and spending time with colleagues who share his passion for learning and leadership. A natural pioneer, he lives by the motto: “Vision First–Decisions Follow.”
