Hagerstown, MD – Meritus Surgical Specialists is expanding its team and services, aiming to provide advanced surgical care locally and reduce the need for patients in the Tri-State area to travel to Baltimore or Washington, D.C. for specialized procedures.
Recent additions to the practice include general and bariatric surgeon Dr. D., who joined in 2023, bringing over 20 years of experience.Dr. D. specializes in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques for conditions such as hernias, gallbladder issues, colorectal and endocrine disorders, and bariatric needs. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and completed his residency at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., followed by a fellowship at Saint Peters University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. “I believe in empowering patients to participate in the development of their treatment plan through shared decision-making,” Dr. Cantor said.”In the process of caring for a patient, we focus on their goals and what matters most to them as we create an individualized plan of care. I treat my patients in a timely manner and strive to deliver patient-centered, advanced, quality care with empathy.”
Also joining the team in 2024 is thoracic surgeon Dr.Mohammad Jafferji, who focuses on procedures of the chest, including treatment for lung and esophageal cancer, utilizing minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Jafferji completed his medical degree at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington,Vt., his residency at Dartmouth-hitchcock Medical Center in lebanon, N.H., and a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Heart Institute in Houston, Texas. “I have always loved being able to have a meaningful and positive impact on people’s lives,” Dr. Jafferji said. “Being a physician and surgeon affords the unbelievable opportunity to not only find solutions for ailments but allows me to meet and hear the stories that shape different people’s lives. Being a doctor provides a unique experience where art,science,technology and the human touch interplay around the human experience.”
Meritus has also launched Meritus Advanced ENT with Dr. Nasir Bhatti, M.D., as medical director. Dr. Bhatti brings 23 years of experience from the Johns Hopkins Head and Neck Surgery program, having completed his ENT residency at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “We have the training and many years of experience at top institutions that will allow us to provide world-class care to patients,” Dr. Bhatti stated. “We know how to work hand-in-hand with emergency medicine, pulmonary critical care, allergy and immunology and neurosurgery disciplines. We want to have very easy access for our patients, bringing expert care close to home.”
