Charles Portera, MD, F.A.C.S
Board-Certified General Surgery
Fellowship-Trained in Surgical Oncology and Cancer Biology
Charles Portera, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the surgical removal of cancer. He is fellowship-trained in surgical oncology and cancer biology — the highest level of medical training in the U.S.
Dr. Portera spent most of his medical career in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he founded a very successful surgical oncology practice. Dr. Portera received his undergraduate degree and medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He completed his fellowship in surgical oncology and cancer biology at the prestigious MD Anderson Cancer Center, which is one of the top cancer referral centers in the world. This training makes Dr. Portera well qualified to deal with the surgical removal of cancerous and noncancerous tumors.
Dr. Portera has done more than 10,000 successful cancer surgeries over his career.
Despite a busy surgical practice, Dr. Portera at age 49 had a true calling and desire to live and work in one of his favorite places in the world-Alaska. Dr. Portera relocated to Anchorage, Alaska in 2014 with his wife Melissa of over 20 years of marriage, and their three children Carol Ann, Mary, and Luke.
Dr. Portera is pleased to share his professional expertise and passion for cancer treatment with Alaskans. He welcomes other physicians to contact him directly for referral of surgical oncology patients, or to confer with him on surgical oncology cases that they may have in their practice.
Dr. Portera is a professional member of the American College of Surgeons (Fellow), Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alaska Medical Association, and Alaska Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Charles Portera’s honors and awards include Outstanding Teacher in Surgical Rotation, Resident of the Year, and presenter in the Gold Medal Forum Section of the 64th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Surgical Conference. Effective since 2016, he is the Medical Director, Surgical Oncology at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska.
“Dr. Portera, his PA, & all of his staff are amazing! He is the best Oncologist Surgeon in Alaska, we are very blessed to have him!”
“Dr. Portera delivers world class medical care in a relaxed, confident and thorough manner. I would recommend Dr. Portera to anyone as being one of the best surgeons in Alaska.”
“Dr. Portera is awesome… He has a great personality that put me at ease… In my opinion, he is the best around!”
“A very kind, excellent surgeon. I wish all doctors were like him.”
“Dr. Portera is the best ! Cancer surgery is never an easy thing to face – but Dr. Portera’s professionalism his genuine caring and personal attention made us feel at ease, knowing that we were in good hands.”
“Dr. Portera was kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and just naturally trustworthy. I believe Dr. Portera saved my life and thank God that a surgeon like him chose to live and practice in Alaska.”
“Dr Portera is a life saver… He really cares about helping his patients to achieve the best results.”
“Very professional and excellent bedside manner. Confidence inspiring!”
Rebecca A. Libal
Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Nursing, NP, AGNP-C
She enjoys all of Alaska with her hiking and fishing hobbies. Becky pictured on the left in the fish photo, started Buttwhackers Fillet Company in Homer, Alaska about 20 years ago, which is now owned by her niece. Becky still enjoys visiting her niece in Homer and helps her out at the fillet table.
The Healthquest Guidebook
As a community service, we have produced a free guidebook on how to detect and prevent common cancers, and when you need to have screenings with your family physician.