Maher M El Chaar, MD

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I was recently named one of America’s Top Surgeons in Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery). In addition, I have received a bariatric surgeon of excellence designation by the ASMBS. I completed my undergraduate studies at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and earned my Medical Degree from the American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine, one of the most prestigious medical schools in the Middle East and Gulf region. I moved to the greater Philadelphia area and completed an internship in general surgery at Drexel University-Hahnemann Hospital. I joined St Luke’s University Hospital Health Network and completed my general surgery residency program in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During this time, I was named resident of the year for two consecutive years. Following my training, I joined the University of North Carolina (UNC) clinical campus in Charlotte, North Carolina where I completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy and bariatric surgery. In addition to my clinical fellowship in North Carolina, I completed a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship at Weill Medical College-New York Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) where I focused on formation of scar tissue, fibrosis and the role of growth factors in collagen formation. I am an active member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and the national Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). Additionally, I am a member of the Clinical issues Committee (CIC) of the ASMBS, a committee responsible for the development of guidelines and recommendations for the practice of bariatric surgery. Furthermore, I have presented at multiple national and international meetings and act as a consultant for many leading medical equipment companies in the United States. I currently serve as Co-Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at St Luke’s University Hospital. I am very involved in the surgical education of medical students and residents. In this role, I have organized basic and advanced bariatric surgery courses for general surgeons and practicing bariatric surgeons. The St Luke’s Weight Loss Center is an MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) accredited center and a center of quality and excellence. The comprehensive center includes bariatric surgeons, a bariatrician, social workers, dieticians, physician assistants, nurses and a coordinator. It conducts regular information seminars, support groups and educational courses tailored to bariatric patients. The center performs approximately 500 cases a year including gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding and revisional surgery.