Meet the Experts Treating GERD, Esophageal Disorders, Hiatal Hernias, Obesity, and More

For patients struggling with issues such as chronic acid reflux, esophageal disorders like achalasia, gastroparesis, hiatal hernias, or obesity, finding the right medical team is essential. Southern New Hampshire Health surgeons Drs. Brett Baker, Robert Catania, and Emily Mackey bring advanced surgical expertise and compassionate care to help patients regain their health and quality of life. Foundation Surgery is the only practice in New Hampshire with three fellowship-trained surgeons specializing in the foregut (the top of the digestive tract, closest to the mouth) and bariatrics for weight management, offering a level of expertise unique to the region. 

The team's unmatched level of specialized training sets them apart. All three surgeons are fellowship-trained in minimally invasive surgery, foregut conditions, and bariatrics—expertise rarely found outside major academic medical centers. Their collective skill and experience make Southern New Hampshire Health a regional leader in advanced surgical care. 

Using the latest minimally invasive and robot-assisted techniques, these highly-trained surgeons provide precise treatment with smaller incisions, less scarring, and faster recovery times. From managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to performing life-changing bariatric surgery, they offer comprehensive, patient-focused solutions tailored to individual needs. 

Learn about Foundation Surgery

Advanced expertise in digestive health 

Foregut disorders can significantly impact daily life, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing. Hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach slips above the diaphragm, can worsen these issues. Drs. Baker, Catania, and Mackey, use the most advanced surgical techniques to correct these conditions, helping patients find lasting relief. 

For those struggling with obesity and its related health challenges, expert bariatric care offers a path to sustainable weight loss and improved overall health. Minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries, ensure effective treatment with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner. 

A unique regional resource 

Additionally, our department of gastroenterology provides the most comprehensive diagnostic testing in the region, including Bravo pH testing, impedance testing, high-resolution esophageal manometry, capsule endoscopy, and Endoflip impedance planimetry. This combination of leading-edge diagnostics and specialized surgical care makes Southern New Hampshire Health the premier destination for patients with foregut disorders or obesity. 

Personalized patient care 

Whether a patient requires surgery for GERD, achalasia, gastroparesis, a hiatal hernia, a foregut tumor, or bariatric treatment, these specialists prioritize a patient-centered approach. They guide individuals through every step of their treatment journey, from initial consultation to post-surgical follow-up, ensuring the highest level of care and support. 

Meet the Leaders in Minimally Invasive Foregut Surgery 

Dr. Brett Baker- Dr. Baker is board-certified in general surgery with a special interest in weight loss in practice at Foundation Surgery and Southern NH Weight Management.   

Dr. Baker explains that the decision to go forward with surgery for weight loss is a complicated one that is personal for each patient. “What I like most about bariatric surgery is being able to have a long-term relationship with a patient, which is unusual for a surgeon. It’s a lifelong partnership based on mutual trust between the two,” he says. “It’s one in which the provider can offer education, information and knowledge to the patient to help guide their decision-making process and ultimately their health journey.” 

Dr. Robert Catania- Dr. Catania is a board-certified general surgeon with a special interest in bariatric surgery, advanced foregut surgery, hiatal hernia repair, anti-reflux surgery, intestinal surgery, colon surgery, and surgical endoscopy in practice at Foundation Surgery and Southern NH Weight Management.   

  ”The best part of my job is helping patients with chronic foregut related problems or obesity to get beyond their symptoms and get back to living healthy, enjoyable lives again.”  

Dr. Emily Mackey- Dr. Mackey is board-certified in general surgery and has a special interest in foregut and bariatric surgery. She is in practice at Foundation Surgery.
 
“My ideal patient-provider relationship is one in which I get to know you both from a medical perspective and also what is important to you and the loved ones in your life so that we’re able to have an open conversation in terms of what your expectations are and what they are from my perspective,” Dr. Mackey says. 

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, these physicians are transforming lives through state-of-the-art surgical care providing solutions that make lasting improvements in patients' well-being and quality of life. 

Discover the difference of patient-centered care at Southern NH Health. Call 603-577-3275 for an appointment today. Visit Southern NH Weight Management for more information.  

Learn about Southern NH Weight Management