William Berger, MD

I was drawn to becoming a physician because a career in medicine offers the unique combination of science, problem-solving and helping others. I chose to focus on surgery because it can resolve illnesses. This is particularly true with bariatric (weight loss) surgery, which can help prevent complications from diseases like diabetes. \n Long-term studies have proven that bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable weight loss treatment, but each patient must also be prepared to actively participate in a multidisciplinary program. This includes nutrition, behavior and exercise counseling. Therefore, my team and I carefully screen each patient. Then we discuss each person's unique health situation and all the options so that we can then make the best surgical decision together. \n During my surgical training, I was recognized as the surgery intern of the year in 2017, surgery resident of the year in 2018 and chief resident of the year in 2021. However, learning is a lifelong journey, so I am continuously training in the latest techniques for minimally invasive, laparoscopic, robotic and bariatric surgery. \n I am an active member of American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders, and American College of Surgeons. In addition to bariatric surgery, I also perform minimally invasive general surgery such as hernia, appendix, gallbladder and colon procedures. \n In my free time, I enjoy traveling and hiking with my wife and our two daughters, as well as surfing at the beach.

Julio Reyes, MD, loves to see surgery make a radical change in a patient's life and formulate an intervention with measurable results. As a general surgeon, Dr. Reyes treats patients with a variety of conditions, but is especially interested in the treatment of hernias, biliary disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Dr. Reyes is also passionate about minimally invasive surgery because of the benefit to patients, including less incisions and shorter recovery time. His goal is to provide remarkable care and getting patients back to their normal activities as quickly as possible. Outside of work, Dr. Reyes' family keeps him very busy. He and his wife spend most of their free time in after-school activities with their three children.

I first developed an interest in medicine when I was in high school because I had a lot of sports-related injuries, which required surgery. When I observed how the surgical team, nursing staff, and physical therapist took care of me through my long rehabilitation, I immediately knew I wanted to become a doctor and help others in the same way. I grew up doing carpentry, home remodeling, and other woodworking, which made surgery the obvious choice for specialty once I began medical school. I was drawn to surgery because I love working with my hands, problem-solving, the evolving technology of surgery, and the ability to fix something that is broken. As a general surgeon, it is my duty to stay up to date with the most current technological advances in order to provide my patients with the best possible care. Through the extensive robotic and complex laparoscopic surgery techniques that I learned during my residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, I can offer my patients minimally invasive surgical options, which result in less pain and a quicker and smoother recovery.\n During my training and career, I have been awarded the administrative chief resident position and Wendell M. Levi Jr MD Award for Surgical Leadership. I have also been honored as an ESPN Academic All-American Nominee while I was playing Quarterback at Catawba College during my undergraduate years. In my free time, I am a family man first and foremost.\n I enjoy spending time with my wife, Faith, and my 3 young children Madelyn, Charlotte, and Miller. Our children keep us quite busy with swimming, gymnastics, and soccer practices. As a native of Durham, I am an avid Duke fan. I also enjoy supporting Catawba College in nearby Salisbury, where I played football as an undergrad. My family and I love the beach, especially Charleston, SC where we spent 5 years during my residency training.