Nestor de la Cruz-Munoz, MD

Nestor F. de la Cruz‑Muñoz Jr., MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a nationally recognized bariatric, foregut, and metabolic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery . He previously served as Professor of Clinical Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2009–2025), where he led major institutional programs including Section Chief of Bariatric Surgery, Chief of Laparoendoscopic and Bariatric Surgery, and Director of the Bariatric Fellowship Training Program . 

Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz has held appointments at multiple high‑volume centers, including UHealth Tower, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Mercy Hospital, and currently practices at HCA Florida Miami‑Dade Surgical Specialists . His clinical expertise spans sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, revisional surgery, and the surgical management of complex foregut disease.

A prolific academic surgeon, he has authored over 60 peer‑reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and numerous national presentations in metabolic and bariatric surgery. His research includes long‑term outcomes in adolescent bariatric surgery, cardiometabolic risk reduction, robotic and laparoscopic innovation, and disparities in obesity treatment. His work has appeared in SOARD, Obesity Surgery, JACS, Annals of Surgery, and Pediatric Research .

Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz has served on the Editorial Boards of Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, Obesity Surgery, and Global Epidemic Obesity, and has been a reviewer for multiple surgical and obesity journals . He has also been a Site Principal Investigator for numerous multicenter clinical trials evaluating endoscopic and surgical innovations in obesity and diabetes care, with funded research exceeding several million dollars .

An ASMBS member since 2002 and Fellow since 2008, he has contributed to the society through service on the Pediatric Committee, Public Education Committee, Insurance Committee, and as a Center of Excellence Reviewer . He also served as ASMBS Liaison to the Fellowship Council Accreditation Committee.

Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz is committed to advancing metabolic surgery, improving access to care, and elevating outcomes for diverse patient populations through evidence‑based, compassionate, and technically excellent surgical practice.