Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa | Obesity Surgery | Best Researcher Award

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.

Dr. Chen Cui | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, China

Cui Chen, an Assistant Researcher at the Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, specializes in the development and regeneration of orofacial bones. With a focus on mesenchymal stem cells and their role in bone remodeling and tooth eruption, Cui has contributed extensively to the understanding of mandibular growth and alveolar bone formation. His impactful research includes high-impact publications and innovative findings in the field of stomatology.

Education 🎓

Dr. Chen Cui earned his Ph.D. in Stomatology from Sichuan University (2017–2020), where he conducted in-depth research on orofacial bone development and mesenchymal stem cell mechanisms in mandibular growth. Prior to this, he completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at Sichuan University (2012–2017), gaining a strong foundation in dental sciences and clinical practice. His academic journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing knowledge in stomatology and regenerative dentistry.

Experience 💼

Dr. Chen currently serves as an Assistant Researcher at the Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University (2020–Present), where he focuses on groundbreaking studies in orofacial bone development and regeneration. Previously, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the same institution (2020–2022), during which he contributed significantly to projects exploring the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying bone formation and repair. His roles demonstrate a continuous trajectory of excellence and dedication to advancing dental and craniofacial research.

Research Interests 🔬

Development and Regeneration of Orofacial Bones 🦷

Chen Cui's research delves deeply into the intricate processes of orofacial bone development and regeneration. His work aims to unravel the cellular and molecular pathways that govern the growth, repair, and restoration of craniofacial structures, addressing critical challenges in dental and craniofacial health.

Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Bone and Tooth Formation 🔬

A significant focus of his studies is on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their pivotal role in the formation of bones and teeth. By exploring how MSCs contribute to tissue differentiation and regeneration, Chen Cui seeks to enhance therapeutic strategies for bone and dental restoration.

Alveolar Bone Remodeling in Inflammatory Environments 🌟

Chen Cui has investigated the impact of inflammation on alveolar bone remodeling, shedding light on how environmental factors influence bone integrity. His findings offer insights into improving treatment outcomes for conditions like periodontitis and bone loss associated with inflammatory disorders.

The Role of Parathyroid Hormone Signaling in Dental Development 🧬

Exploring the parathyroid hormone (PTH) signaling pathway, Chen Cui has identified its critical role in regulating dental development and tooth eruption. His research on PTH signaling contributes to a deeper understanding of bone health and has implications for treating dental anomalies and diseases.