Maher M. El Chaar, MD
4.8 out of 5
(88)
check_circle Accepting new patients
check_circle Accepting new patients
St. Luke's Weight Management Center - Allentown
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.
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.
Specialties
- Surgery (General Surgery)
Expertise
- Bariatric Surgery
- Hernia Surgery
Medical School
American University of Beirut, 2001
Internship
Drexel University, 2003 - 2004
Residency
St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network, 2004 - 2009
Fellowship
Carolinas Medical Center-Emergency Medicine GME, 2009 - 2010
Fellowship
New York Presbyterian Weill-Cornell Internal Medic, 2001 - 2003
This provider has 18 total patient reviews
“Dr El Chaar was respectful and didn't talk down to me”
8/17/2024
“Dr. El Chaar is the very best Bariatric surgeon. Always has your best interest at heart. Always dealing with the hardest cases and finding cures. Dr. E has been here during the worst of times with me, and never left me down.”
5/17/2024
“The Dr and his assistant were very thorough”
5/11/2024
“Everybody is always above and beyond nice, courteous, friendly and always willing to help and assist. My doctor is always willing to spend more than enough time speaking to you until you understand everything. He is fantastic. Everything was totally understood until Dr El Chaar came in. Love everyone in that Office. They are the best and I truly mean that great staff that is the truth. Dr L. is the best and so is Dr El Chaar. Wonderful practice.”
5/5/2024
“She is a good provider”
5/5/2024
“Dr. EL CHAAR IS THE BEST BARIATRIC SURGEON YOU HAVE. DR. KAREEM WHO IS TRAINING/LEARNING UNDER DR. EL CHAAR IS A GREAT DOCTOR AND WILL GO FAR IF HE CHOOSES TO STAY WITH BARIATRICS. HE HAS THE VERY BEST TEACHER.”
4/22/2024
“Everyone was very nice and they help me”
4/3/2024
“This was just a check in for an upcoming surgery. It was a good visit. This is a great office with great staff and doctors.”
2/23/2024
“Dr El Chaar is a fabulous Dr. He did my surgery and is not giving up on trying to get to the bottom of what is going on with me. He explains everything very well and is a very caring man.”
2/18/2024
“Experience with the health care was great”
1/26/2024
“Dr. El Chaar did a great job for me and my health. The staff working with Dr. El Chaar are great people who helped me stay on the path to getting better. They all work great together. They all mean a lot to me & my new life style. I thank you all.”
1/26/2024
“Dr.El Char was very professional and all the staff for my VSG surgery which went very well. 100% percent satisfaction.”
1/18/2024
“I have complete trust and comfort about this surgery and the risks involved but I'm with the best and Our Lord and Savior has my back also.”
12/22/2023
“Excellent experience with this provider & very accommodating to my schedule!”
12/21/2023
“Dr. El Chaar is the epitome of an excellent Dr./Surgeon I have had the pleasure to be in contact with. His associate Dr. Lin is a/so superb! Will recommend to all!”
11/26/2023
“Dr El Chaar is top notch!”
11/19/2023
“Dr. El Chaar and his staff are always extremely professional and friendly. I can't thank them enough for all of their help both before and after my surgery. I felt safe, thankful and appreciative through the entire experience.”
11/19/2023
The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions from our
nationally recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do
not necessarily reflect the views of St. Luke’s University Health Network.
“Overall help was very good it was explained to where I understood it all”
9/7/2024