call
484-426-2600
| Fax: 833-816-7512
Surgery (General Surgery)
check Accepting new patients
Expertise
Bariatric Surgery | Hernia Surgery | Weight Loss/Management
location_on
stethoscopeEmployed Provider
St. Luke's Care Network Provider
location_on Locations (2)
call
908-847-6722
| Fax: 833-541-5799
account_circle About Me
Specialities:
Surgery (General Surgery)Expertise
Bariatric Surgery | Hernia Surgery | Weight Loss/ManagementI 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.
school Education
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, 2009 - 2010
Fellowship
- New York Presbyterian Weill-Cornell Internal Medicine, 2001 - 2003
Board Certifications
- Surgery (General Surgery)
star Reviews
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.
“Dr. El Chaar is kind, considerate, and extremely knowledgeable. He's the best.”
June 7, 2025
“Always leave the office satisfied”
May 19, 2025
“Great care”
May 17, 2025
“We were referred to Dr. El Chaar for a condition Ive had for almost 3 years without any remedy from other physicians. Dr. El Chaar clearly understood my condition and gave me hope to resolve the problem. He is personable, professional, kind and responsive. We're so thankful we were referred to him. Also, Dr. L. was so personable, professional and very reassuring. Thank you”
May 9, 2025
“Dr. L was assisting Dr. El Chaar. He was very helpful with good suggestions for my upcoming surgery concerns.”
April 28, 2025
“Good”
April 9, 2025
“This visit was more of a second opinion on the type of surgery I wanted to receive. Surgeon was professional, attentive and understood my concern regarding my surgery. Left office with a comfortable feeling with my decision.”
March 18, 2025
“Dr El Chaar and Dr S. were great! They explained everything to me and answered all my questions. They were kind and caring about my needs. I would definitely recommend this team!”
March 17, 2025
“ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL AND CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ME. CARING ENOUGH TO FIND THE BEST OPTIONS TO ACHIEVE MY GOALS. PATIENTS ALWAYS COME FIRST, IF YOU NEED TO WAIT TO BE SEEN, JUST KNOW IT'S WORTH THE WAIT! IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER SOMEDAY YOU MIGHT NEED SPECIAL CARE AND THEY WILL BE THERE FOR YOU. THANK YOU DR. ELCHAAR.”
March 9, 2025
“Dr. El Chaar's entire office is nice, caring and very knowledgeable. Rita at the front desk is the nicest woman and always has a smile on her face. Every single person I interacted with was very nice. Even walking out people were so encouraging and nice saying have a great day! Super great office.”
February 18, 2025
“This practice is amazing! They helped me and corrected an issue I've had for years! Would highly recommend them!”
February 16, 2025
“Was attended quickly and all my questions were answered in a satisfactory manner”
January 20, 2025
“Dr el Chaar and his team are nothing short of FABULOUS! It is my pleasure to see him”
December 8, 2024
“Keep up the great work St Luke's Team!!!! They always treat patients with respect at the office of Maher M El Chaar, MD”
December 7, 2024
“Great explanation Maher M El Chaar, MD from on what I need done.”
November 17, 2024
“My visit from start to finish was very helpful and informative with Maher M El Chaar, MD”
November 16, 2024
“My visit was excellent! with Maher M El Chaar, MD”
November 8, 2024
“I love that I can feel the compassion from Dr. El Chaar and that it's not just words. He truly cares and I feel heard.”
November 5, 2024
“Maher M El Chaar, MD was complimentary with my wt loss”
October 27, 2024
“Everything was great. Dr. El Chaar is the only surgeon who knows how to get into my lap band port because it is tilted, which I appreciate.”
October 13, 2024
“Dr Elcharr helped me where the last dr couldnot gave me the time of day and helped me t9 lose weight before te surgery. 2 of my friends are going threw the surgery process now”
October 12, 2024
“R. El Chaar and the entire weight loss management practice staff have been nothing but superlative. Every one from reception to dietician (Dorothy McFadden), to PA's, and to Dr. El Chair are professional, knowledgeable, and considerate, but they exude a care for the patient and the patient's well-being that comes through clearly. I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for everyone in the practice and gratitude for helping me reach the best decision for me.”
October 2, 2024
5.0 RATING
“This office from the receptionist to the attendees to the doctors are the best! I never feel my questions are not important and Dr. El Chaar is the absolute best!!!”
June 9, 2025