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Welcome to Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants, where we are dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals through a comprehensive approach to weight loss and general surgery. Our practice specializes in advanced robotic surgery, providing minimally invasive solutions with precision and care.

At Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants, we believe that a successful weight loss journey involves more than just surgery. Our comprehensive approach includes personalized plans that encompass nutritional guidance, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing support to ensure lasting results. We also offer a range of surgeries, including hernia surgery, appendicitis surgery, and more.

My name is Dr. Tarik Al-Kalla, and I am honored to lead the team at Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants. My journey in the field of surgery began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Houston in Texas. I earned my Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock.

I then completed my residency in general surgery at Michigan State University/Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, where I gained extensive experience in various surgical procedures. My passion for minimally invasive techniques led me to pursue a fellowship in MIS/Bariatrics Surgery at St. Luke's Surgical Specialists in Kansas City, Missouri. I have obtained several awards and accolades including 2024 Texas Super Doctors® Rising Stars, Best Doctor in Collin county D magazine for bariatric surgery multiple years (2022, 2023, 2024), Top doctors (2022, 2023), Michigan State University/Spectrum Health Emergency General Surgery Chief Award during surgery residency, and Intuitive robotic surgery proctor. I am also the Trauma Medical Director at Medical City Frisco.

With a commitment to excellence and a patient-centered approach, I strive to provide the highest standard of care. Whether you are considering weight loss surgery or need general surgical services, you can trust that you are in capable and compassionate hands.

Thank you for considering Optimal Weight Loss and Surgery Consultants. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey to better health.

Jack Guan, DPM, is a foot and ankle surgeon offering the best in cutting-edge foot, ankle, and lower extremity care to patients of all ages at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic. Dr. Guan is the only podiatrist in the San Jose, California, area to focus on sports medicine, ankle arthroscopy and total ankle replacement, and pediatric deformity corrections. He also offers specialized regenerative medicine treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP). 

Dr. Guan earned his undergraduate degree in molecular cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley, in Berkeley, California. He went on to earn a Master of Science in biochemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Guan earned his podiatry degree at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Guan also has advanced surgical training in limb deformity correction, Charcot foot reconstruction, diabetic limb salvage, and ankle replacement. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and the American College of Podiatric Medicine. 

Patients trust Dr. Guan for superior surgical care. He demonstrates how much he values that trust by using the most sophisticated minimally invasive surgery techniques and the most innovative and technologically advanced ankle replacement hardware to give every patient the very best results. 

Dr. Guan welcomes new patients to call Bay Area Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic or schedule online to arrange a personal consultation. 

Saluja Varghese, MD, RVT, RPVI, is a board certified vein and vascular specialist at Goldman Vein Institute, which has two locations in Jupiter and Wellington, Florida. Since 2011, Dr. Varghese has been a full-time specialist in phlebology at the practice. 

Dr. Varghese received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1994 and then completed her medical studies at Ross University of Medicine, receiving her Doctor of Medicine in 1999.

Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Varghese attended Loyola University/West Suburban Medical Center for her internal medicine residency, which she completed in 2002. In 2003, Dr. Varghese received and has continued to maintain her board certification in internal medicine. Dr. Varghese is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and maintains full staff privileges at both Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centers. She is also a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).

Dr. Varghese demonstrates expertise and commitment to treating venous disorders, such as spider veins, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and deep venous thrombosis. Dr. Varghese offers a variety of comprehensive non-surgical, highly effective methods for treating these conditions, including endovenous ablation techniques and sclerotherapy.

At the Goldman Vein Institute, Dr. Varghese exclusively provides effective, minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments for venous ablation, such as ultrasound foamed and visually guided sclerotherapy, as well as endovenous laser thermal-ablation. Dr. Varghese prides herself on providing her patients with both compassionate, thorough, and expert care.

Dr. Varghese and her staff maintain the highest credentials, treatment modalities, and patient care standards at the Goldman Vein Institute, by staying abreast of the latest developments in phlebology.

Are you ready to get back on your feet and experience life free of varicose and spider veins? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldman or Dr. Varghese of the Goldman Vein Institute today! Simply call the office or book an appointment online.

Saluja Varghese, MD, RVT, RPVI, is a board certified vein and vascular specialist at Goldman Vein Institute, which has two locations in Jupiter and Wellington, Florida. Since 2011, Dr. Varghese has been a full-time specialist in phlebology at the practice. 

Dr. Varghese received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1994 and then completed her medical studies at Ross University of Medicine, receiving her Doctor of Medicine in 1999.

Upon graduation from medical school, Dr. Varghese attended Loyola University/West Suburban Medical Center for her internal medicine residency, which she completed in 2002. In 2003, Dr. Varghese received and has continued to maintain her board certification in internal medicine. Dr. Varghese is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and maintains full staff privileges at both Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centers. She is also a Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT).

Dr. Varghese demonstrates expertise and commitment to treating venous disorders, such as spider veins, varicose veins, venous stasis ulcers, and deep venous thrombosis. Dr. Varghese offers a variety of comprehensive non-surgical, highly effective methods for treating these conditions, including endovenous ablation techniques and sclerotherapy.

At the Goldman Vein Institute, Dr. Varghese exclusively provides effective, minimally invasive, state-of-the-art treatments for venous ablation, such as ultrasound foamed and visually guided sclerotherapy, as well as endovenous laser thermal-ablation. Dr. Varghese prides herself on providing her patients with both compassionate, thorough, and expert care.

Dr. Varghese and her staff maintain the highest credentials, treatment modalities, and patient care standards at the Goldman Vein Institute, by staying abreast of the latest developments in phlebology.

Are you ready to get back on your feet and experience life free of varicose and spider veins? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldman or Dr. Varghese of the Goldman Vein Institute today! Simply call the office or book an appointment online.

Eugenio Rodriguez, MD, is an experienced wound care specialist practicing at Wound Care Associates, located in Delray Beach, Florida. Relying on his years of experience and keen medical expertise, Dr. Rodriguez provides comprehensive care for trauma, burns, and a myriad of other severe injuries. 

Dr. Rodriguez completed his undergraduate education at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biology/pre-med. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico in 1986, again graduating magna cum laude. 

After graduating, Dr. Rodriguez completed his postgraduate training at the San Juan Veteran Affairs Medical Center and the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus. Soon after, he relocated to Florida, where he completed a clinical and research fellowship in trauma at Tampa General Hospital under Alexander Rosemurgy, MD. 

Today, Dr. Rodriguez is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Wound Medicine and Surgery. He is also an integral part of the trauma and surgical team at Delray Medical Center, which is one of four Level 1 trauma centers in the South Florida area. As part of this team, Dr. Rodriguez has the opportunity to care for some of South Florida's most critical patients.

Using the most advanced technology in the operating room when working with trauma victims, Dr. Rodriguez can find effective solutions for patients with chronic wounds that typically stay open or take several years to close in an outpatient setting. 

At Wound Care Associates, Dr. Rodriguez leverages the extraordinary skills and expertise he's acquired as a trauma surgeon to help patients living with intricate wound care needs. 

Samer Arab, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician with advanced fellowship training in obstetrics. At Westover Hills Women’s Health in San Antonio, Texas, he provides comprehensive, compassionate care for individuals and families—from preventive visits and chronic condition management to prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, emphasizing wellness and continuity throughout every stage of life.

Dr. Arab earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the Jordan University of Science and Technology and completed his family medicine residency and obstetrics fellowship through the UT Southwestern/Austin Program. He brings more than a decade of experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, managing high-risk pregnancies, performing cesarean sections, and supporting women through every stage of maternal health.

Since 2013, Dr. Arab has practiced full-scope family medicine and obstetrics at Frio Regional Hospital, where he is known for his calm demeanor, clinical expertise, and patient-centered approach. His mission is to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care that helps every patient feel informed, supported, and confident in their health journey toward lasting well-being.

Yaqub Baraki, M.D is a board certified general surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Baraki completed his General Surgery Residency at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He then received his diploma in Facial Plastic, and Cosmetic Surgery from the University of Chicago. Dr. Baraki strives to create natural looking facial and body rejuvenations. He balances artistry with science and surgical skill to create beautiful results for all of his patients.

“I believe that each patient’s body and facial features are unique. Corrections are tailored to the individual need. The principles of medical ethics, compassion, patient safety and high quality patient care are important to me. It is my aim to provide excellence in facial and body aesthetic services."

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Biology, California State University Northridge 1997
• Doctor of Medicine, SMU School of Medicine, 1998-2002
• General Surgery Internship and Residency, St. Agnes Hospital, Baltimore MD 2003-2008
• Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery fellowship, University of Chicago 2008-2009

Membership

• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
• American College of Surgeons
• American Medical Association

Hospital Affiliations

• INOVA Loudoun
• Fair Oaks Hospital
• Fairfax Hospital
• Suburban Hospital

Licensure

• Virginia
• Maryland
  

Experienced colorectal surgeon Tamara Merchant-McCambry, MD, provides specialized care to patients 16 and older at Lone Star Colon & Rectal Surgery and Clinical Services of San Antonio, located in San Antonio, Texas. She treats conditions ranging from hemorrhoids and pilonidal cysts to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rectal prolapse.

Dr. Merchant-McCambry completed her undergraduate studies at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, earning a double major in biology and sociology/anthropology. She was a George A. Haggerty Award for Academic Excellence winner and voted into the Lambda Alpha National Honor Society of Anthropology. 

For her medical degree, Dr. Merchant-McCambry attended the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences) in Newark. She later completed her internship at New York City’s Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx.

Dr. Merchant-McCambry moved to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois, just outside Chicago, for her general surgery residency. She completed a colorectal surgery fellowship at St Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York and further fellowship training at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston’s McGovern Medical School. 

Dr. Merchant-McCambry is board-certified in colon and rectal surgery and is affiliated with Northeast Baptist Hospital, Baptist Medical Center, North Central Baptist Hospital, and St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital. All are in San Antonio. She is a member of the Texas Medical Association (Bexar County), the American College of Surgeons, and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Dr. Merchant-McCambry enjoys working out at the gym, running track, playing the piano, and singing Gospel in her spare time. She welcomes new and returning patients to Lone Star Colon & Rectal Surgery and Clinical Services of San Antonio and looks forward to providing them with exceptional care.

Dr. Meka received training in venous valve repairs, deep venous reconstructions, perforators ablations during medical school. During her General Surgery training at Memorial Health University in Georgia, she developed core vascular surgery operating skills. She also presented and published several vascular papers during her residency. She then completed advanced training in endovascular techniques during her vascular surgery fellowship. Dr. Meka completed her Vascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of Arkansas in 2011. After Fellowship, Dr. Meka worked as a consulting vascular surgeon at Harris Methodist hospital in Texas. Following this, she took academic vascular surgery position at VA Medical Center in Phoenix, in affiliation with Banner University Medical Center. She holds a position as Clinical Asst. Professor and is double board-certified by the American Board of Vascular Surgery and American Board of Vascular Medicine.

Jordan Richardson, DPM of Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona received his bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University and his doctorate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California.

 

Dr. Richardson was born and raised in Arizona and loves the desert. He completed a three-year podiatric and surgical residency with reconstructive rearfoot and ankle certification at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. During residency training, he spent time training with top-tier surgeons and physicians. Training all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery including reconstructive diabetic limb salvage, foot and ankle trauma, and sports medicine. He is well trained in both conservative and surgical approaches to podiatric care and believes in putting his patient’s needs first.

 

Prior to a career in medicine, Dr. Richardson acquired many skills from careers as a veterinary technician, police aide, and home automation. However, he found his passion in podiatry and caring for patients. Outside of work, he can be found spending time with his wife and five children. He also enjoys working on cars, cooking, playing guitar, and outdoor recreation. 

Jordan Richardson, DPM of Ahwatukee Foot & Ankle Center in Phoenix and Maricopa, Arizona received his bachelor’s degree at Arizona State University and his doctorate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California.

 

Dr. Richardson was born and raised in Arizona and loves the desert. He completed a three-year podiatric and surgical residency with reconstructive rearfoot and ankle certification at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah. During residency training, he spent time training with top-tier surgeons and physicians. Training all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery including reconstructive diabetic limb salvage, foot and ankle trauma, and sports medicine. He is well trained in both conservative and surgical approaches to podiatric care and believes in putting his patient’s needs first.

 

Prior to a career in medicine, Dr. Richardson acquired many skills from careers as a veterinary technician, police aide, and home automation. However, he found his passion in podiatry and caring for patients. Outside of work, he can be found spending time with his wife and five children. He also enjoys working on cars, cooking, playing guitar, and outdoor recreation. 

Dr. Mina Baskhron is a double board-certified foot and ankle podiatric surgeon. Dr Baskhron is a leader in private practice in New York since 2014. He has performed over five thousand podiatric surgical procedures including some of the most complicated congenital and acquired foot and ankle deformities. Dr. Baskhron is one of the few foot and ankle podiatric surgeons who completed a 4-year residency training focusing only on foot & ankle pathologies. Although Dr Baskhron's focus is on diabetic foot complications, limb salvage & reconstruction, he also treats various foot & ankle disorders, sports injuries, arthritis, flatfeet, bunion and hammer toes. Dr Baskhron completed his pre-medical education at Rutgers University, then he received his medical degree from NY college of Podiatric Medicine. He then completed 4-year Foot & Ankle surigcal residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Richmond University Medical Center, and Northwell Plainview Hospital. Dr. Baskhron sees patients at St, Mary Foot & Ankle Center AND Forward foot and Ankle Associates at various lovations. He operates at Northwell Staten Island Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center, and various surgery centers in NY and NJ. In his free time, he likes to play and coach soccer as well as spending family time with his lovely wife and 3 children

Dr. Daniel Rosen is a leading provider of hernia surgery in Brooklyn, the Upper East Side, and the surrounding Metro area of New York City as well as in Secaucus, New Jersey, and Darien, Connecticut. At the New York Hernia Center, Dr. Rosen is expertly trained to provide surgical options for numerous types of hernias, including inguinal hernias, hiatal hernias, umbilical/belly button hernias and more. In addition, Dr. Rosen offers laparoscopic surgery treatment for conditions such as gallstones, appendicitis, acid reflux, and other surgical diseases.

Dr. Rosen graduated from Cornell University and obtained his Medical Degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. After general surgery training, he went on to complete a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery at the New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Columbia University Medical Center and Weill Cornell campuses. He is truly committed to providing minimally invasive surgical options to all his patients because of the proven benefits of quicker healing, less pain, and reduced scarring.

As a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Rosen provides surgical options to treat obesity including the LapBand system, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and revisional bariatric procedures.

Voted most compassionate doctor by Vitals, Dr. Rosen is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of surgical care and works to provide his patients with a professional and warm experience.

Board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Mikhail A Botvinov, specializes in bariatric and general laparoscopic surgery. At Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions  in Westwood, New Jersey, he uses laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery to treat and address issues associated with obesity and other general surgery conditions. 

With a dual medical education, Dr. Botvinov is both a medical doctor (MD) as well as a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). He is experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgery, general surgery, and hernia surgery, and provides treatments for gallbladder issues. For patients who want to lose weight, he offers bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve procedures, and gastric band removal. 

Dr. Botvinov completed his medical training at I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Institute of Medicine in Moscow, Russia, the oldest and one of the most prestigious medical universities in the country. He worked as a general surgeon at the Institute of Laser Surgery in Russia and earned a national patent for his work in converting a gastrointestinal device to a carbon dioxide laser. 

Dr. Botvinov then relocated to the United States, where he completed his medical degree at The New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury, New York. He completed surgical training at Flushing Hospital and minimally invasive laparoscopic and bariatric training at Staten Island University Hospital, both in New York City. He is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey.

Dr. Botvinov is a member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Student Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He is a candidate member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

Lake Jackson Surgical Clinic

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Henry Martinez, MD, is a breast and general surgeon at Lake Jackson Surgical Clinic in Lake Jackson, Texas. Dr. Martinez’s special interests are advanced laparoscopic procedures, gastrointestinal surgery, breast surgery, and wound healing.

Dr. Martinez earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Antillean Adventist University in Mayagüez Arriba, Puerto Rico, before earning his Doctor of Medicine from Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico. He completed training in general surgery and successfully performed the duties of chief resident in surgery at the Nassau University Medical Center, affiliated with the Health Sciences Center of Stony Brook University, where he was also awarded a fellowship in burn surgery within the plastic surgery division.

Dr. Martinez is licensed to practice in the states of Texas and New York, and he is board certified by the American Association of Physician Specialists. His hospital affiliations include the Brazoria County Surgery Center, CHI St. Luke's Health–Brazosport Hospital, and UTMB Health Angleton Danbury Campus. 

Dr. Martinez’s professional affiliations include the American College of Surgeons, Texas Medical Association, American Medical Association, Brazoria County Medical Society, and Wound Healing Center Staff Surgeon.

Dr. Jason Hechtman is an expert in functional and integrative medicine, specializing in performance optimization, longevity, and ageless living.

Through personalized concierge care, he works with athletes, professionals, and high-performers to help them achieve peak physical and mental performance.  

Dr. Hechtman’s approach blends advanced diagnostics, hormone optimization, recovery strategies, and lifestyle medicine to target the root causes of fatigue, imbalance, and underperformance. His goal is to extend health span, enhance vitality, and empower clients to thrive at every stage of life.

Whether optimizing recovery, boosting energy, or enhancing focus, Dr. Hechtman creates individualized protocols to support the highest level of performance and well-being.