Gregory Tyler Rives, M.D. Surgeon

Clinical Biography

Dr. Gregory “Tyler” Rives is an Arkansas native who recently returned home as Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. A board-certified general surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive, bariatric, and foregut surgery, Dr. Rives completed his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and his fellowship at Tulane University in New Orleans. His dedication to surgical education was recognized early in his career when he received the Resident Teaching Award, and he continues this commitment as a full-time faculty member performing surgery while mentoring the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Rives’ passion for treating obesity stems from personal experience—witnessing a family member’s transformative journey with bariatric surgery over a decade ago. This inspired him to specialize in helping patients address the disease of obesity through a comprehensive, individualized approach. He works closely with each patient to determine the best treatment plan, whether that involves lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical intervention. His surgical expertise includes sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, single anastomosis duodenal ileal bypass, and a full range of foregut procedures, including hiatal hernia repair. Dr. Rives prioritizes minimally invasive and robotic techniques whenever possible to reduce postoperative pain and expedite recovery for his patients.

Beyond weight loss surgery, Dr. Rives performs a wide array of general surgery procedures and maintains an active research portfolio focused on surgical education, bariatric and foregut surgical technique, hernia surgery, and outcomes. His work has been recognized nationally, including receiving the Top Video award at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery annual meeting in 2025. When he’s not in the hospital, Dr. Rives enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, and hiking.