Caitlin Halbert, DO, MS, FACS

Bariatric Surgeon and Campus Chief of Wilmington Surgical Services ChristianaCare

  • Wilmington DE

Dr. Caitlin Halbert is a Bariatric Surgeon and Campus Chief of Wilmington Surgical Services.

Contact

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Spotlight

1 min

Shellee's Story: 'A Whole New Life Has Opened Up'

Four years after successful bariatric surgery at ChristianaCare, Shellee Chew is living the active lifestyle that she always wanted. Whether she’s hiking, walking along the coast or participating in a 5K walk, Chew is amazed at the things she can now. She and a group of peers who had bariatric surgery at ChristianaCare rely on each other for positive encouragement. The emotional support has helped Chew see herself in a new light: Previously, she lived life cautiously because of her weight, with self-imposed restrictions. Now, nothing is off limits. “I can travel anywhere I want and do anything I want for as long as I want,” Chew said. “I’m 52 years old, and I’m doing things that I didn’t do when I was 20 … It’s like a whole new life has opened up.” ChristianaCare’s Bariatric Surgery program has been designated as a Blue Distinction Center+ for its exceptional, affordable care, low complication rates and better overall patient results.

Caitlin Halbert, DO, MS, FACSLisa Breslow, DO

Biography

Dr. Caitlin Halbert is a Bariatric Surgeon and Campus Chief of Wilmington Surgical Services. Dr. Halbert specializes in bariatric surgery, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, roux-en-y gastric bypass and revisional bariatric surgery. Her practice also includes foregut surgery, with a focus on the treatment of achalasia, gastrointestinal reflux disease, and hiatal and diaphragmatic hernias.

Dr. Halbert is actively involved in national organizations, including the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Areas of Expertise

Bariatric Surgery
Foregut Surgery (hiatal hernia, reflux surgery, achalasia)
Clinical Research
Leadership Education

Education

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

DO

Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy

2009

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

M.S.

Biomedical Sciences, General

2004

Albright College

B.S.

Biochemistry

2004

Selected Papers and Publications

SAGES white paper on the current state of community practice surgeons: re-discovering the value of our community practice surgeons

Surgical Endoscopy

2022

The Community Practice (CP) surgeon is the first point of access to surgical care globally and performs the majority of procedures in the USA. CP surgeons include those of various practice models, locations and communities, education and training, and much more. It is a diverse group that drives quality, access to care, research, and innovation. The SAGES CP Committee was formed to better define the role and highlight the contribution of the CP surgeon, as well as advocate for the position of CP surgeons in our society.

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Community Hospital Decreases Narcotic Usage in Postoperative Bariatric Patients

Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases

2020

Opioids have long been used as an effective form of analgesia for pain in the post-operative setting; however, their addictive potential and associated complications have become a detriment. There has been an increasing movement to decrease opioid prescribing.

Management of Achalasia: A Practical Guide

Clinical Algorithms in General Surgery

2019

Achalasia is a rare disorder of the esophagus caused by inflammation and subsequent degeneration of the ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus of the esophageal wall. This results in failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax with a loss of functional peristalsis in the lower esophagus. Achalasia is diagnosed by clinical symptoms, imaging, endoscopy, and manometric findings.

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Selected Honors & Awards

Brandeis Award, SAGES

2023

Excellence in Community Surgery Award, SAGES

2022

Delaware's Top Doctors, Surgery: General

2022

Event Appearances

"Advanced Degree: To Pursue or Not Pursue"

Women's Leadership in Surgery Society Annual Meeting  Washington, DC

2023-09-09

Speaking Style

Languages

  • English