Medical Staff

Dr. Joseph A. Caruana is the Medical Director of Synergy Bariatrics. He has been performing gastric bypass surgery since June, 2000. In February, 2002, he dedicated his surgical practice exclusively to the surgical management of obesity. He has performed over 3100 gastric bypass surgery procedures to date. After graduating from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, Dr. Caruana completed a residency in surgery at the Erie County Medical Center. He then combined surgery with the education of young surgeons and research at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Buffalo where he eventually held the position of Chief, Surgical Service. Since 1989 he has been in private practice focusing on surgical diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Throughout his career, Dr. Caruana has been recognized for his innovative research. Among others published, he is credited as primary author of several medical journal publications related to gastric bypass surgery and the management of his patients and he has been a distinguished speaker at several medical conferences, including the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and the Central Surgical Association. Dr. Caruana is a Regular Member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the Central Surgical Association, the American Medical Association, and State and County Medical Societies. He holds specialty board certification from the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Dang Tuan Pham is an internationally trained and practiced Laparoendoscopic Surgeon who combines discipline and respect with the art of surgery. Having special interest in endoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, he contributes diversity to the bariatric expertise of Synergy Bariatrics. Dr. Pham attended medical school at the University of Paris in France. After completion of his post-doctoral (or residency) training at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts, Dr. Pham had a distinguished career in the US Air Force, both as Chief of Surgery at various military treatment facilities, statesides and overseas, and as Consultant in General Surgery to the Command Surgeon of PACAF (Pacific Air Force) and USAFE (US Air Force in Europe). He also held several academic positions as assistant professor or clinical professor, both in the military and in the civilian sector after he separated from his active duty commission and transitioned into the Air Force Reserve Component. Dr. Pham is impressed with the integrity and achievements of Synergy Bariatrics and will be a great asset to our team. Dr. Pham is a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons and the Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons among other state and international medical professional groups. He holds specialty board certification from the American Board of Surgery.

Marc has been Dr. Caruana’s primary surgical assistant with gastric bypass from the start. He has been working with Dr. Caruana since graduation from D’Youville College in 1999 and helped develop the Synergy Bariatric Surgery Program. Marc is President and founder of Bariatric Fusion, Inc. Bariatric Fusion, makers of specially-formulated bariatric surgery vitamins and supplements, was developed to fulfill the need for superior products for our patients. Marc is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is an Associate Member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

Audrey graduated Summa Cum Laude from D'Youville College in 1999 with a B.S. in Physician Assisting. She has been actively practicing as a PA since that time and has worked in Internal Medicine with special interest in Women's Health and Pain Management. Audrey has worked with Dr. Joseph Caruana since January 2004 and also works part time in a local Internal Medicine practice. Audrey has precepted several PA and Medical students and is a PA mentor. She lectures for the D'Youville College PA Program and was nominated for Outstanding Physician Assistant in 2004 by her peers. Audrey’s broad professional experiences and exceptional patient skills make a great contribution to the Synergy Bariatrics. Her role is key in post-surgical patient follow-up and lifestyle coaching. Audrey maintains her National Certification with the NCCPA in both Medicine and Surgery. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Obesity Action Coalition, New York State Society of PAs, Virginia Academy of Pas, and an associate member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Audrey is currently the President of the Western New York Physician Assistant Association as well.