Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa is an accomplished Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery and Research Scholar with over 15 years of expertise in academic medicine, medical education, and strategic program development. His work spans clinical research, innovative teaching, and securing significant research funding. Passionate about fostering global research collaborations and mentoring future medical professionals, he has contributed extensively to medical education and research advancements in the Middle East and beyond.
Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓
Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa began his academic journey at Colegio La Salle in Bucaramanga, Colombia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in November 2002. Pursuing his passion for medicine, he completed a medical internship at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Hospital Universitario San Jorge, Colombia, in July 2009. Shortly thereafter, he further enriched his clinical experience by undertaking a medical internship at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in June 2010. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Colombia, in July 2010. Following this, Dr. Barajas-Gamboa advanced his research career as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational and Clinical Research at UCSD, completing the program in December 2011, and continued as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Research at the same institution until July 2013.
Experience 🩺
Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Khalifa University, UAE (2021–Present), where he focuses on developing research-driven curricula, mentoring faculty, and promoting research excellence. Since 2018, he has also been a Research Scholar at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he leads groundbreaking research in bariatric surgery, metabolic disorders, and personalized medicine, having successfully secured over $1.3 million in research grants. Between 2010 and 2018, Dr. Barajas-Gamboa held various research and teaching positions at institutions including UCSD and Universidad Industrial de Santander, concentrating on clinical and translational research to advance medical knowledge and practice.
Research Interests 🔬
Minimally invasive and robotic surgery
Bariatric and metabolic surgery
Surgical oncology
Precision medicine and patient-specific treatments
Innovations in medical education
Awards & Honors 🏆
2023: Research Scholar of the Year, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
2022: IFSO MENAC Research Scholarship, Saudi Arabia
2021: Best Abstract, Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Congress, UAE
2009: Honorary Mention, UNAB School of Medicine
2003: Scholarship for Best Results in ICFES Examination, UNAB, Colombia
Selected Publications 📚
Conversion of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Mid-Term Results from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alshamsi, A., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Piechowska-Jóźwiak, M.I., Kroh, M., Rodriguez, J.
Journal: Surgical Endoscopy, 2025, 39(1), pp. 417–424, e13314.
Focuses on outcomes of surgical conversion procedures in bariatric patients in the UAE.
Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Primary Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Study of Weight Loss Trajectories and Perioperative Outcomes
Authors: Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Khan, M.S.I., Romero-Velez, G., Kroh, M., Rodriguez, J.H.
Journal: Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2024, 34(12), pp. 1107–1110.
Analyzes the effects of the pandemic on bariatric surgical outcomes and weight-loss progress.
Management of Abdominal Wall Hernias in Bariatric Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Restrepo-Rodas, G., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Fuentes, J.L.G., Vargas-Cordova, R., Guerrón, A.D.
Journal: Annals of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery, 2024, 9.
Explores surgical management strategies for abdominal wall hernias in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Diastasis Recti with Concomitant Ventral Hernia Repair: An Initial Experience in the United Arab Emirates Population
Authors: Guerron, A.D., Restrepo-Rodas, G., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Cherubino, M., Rodriguez, J.
Journal: Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2024, 34(10), pp. 904–909.
Reports on the outcomes of managing diastasis recti alongside hernia repair in UAE patients.
Pain Assessment and Analgesic Requirements after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Comparison Study of Robotic versus Laparoscopic Approaches
Authors: Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Ihsan Khan, M.S., Mocanu, V., Kroh, M., Corcelles, R.
Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 13(17), 5168.
Compares pain management outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic techniques in sleeve gastrectomy.