Dustin McDermott, MD

Meet Dustin McDermott, MD

Compassionate Weight Loss Leadership for East Texas

Dr. Dustin McDermott is a cornerstone of the East Texas medical community, serving as the Chief of Surgery for both CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Longview.

After honing his surgical decisiveness during two tours as a U.S. Army combat surgeon in Afghanistan, Dr. McDermott returned to Texas with a mission to provide his neighbors with world-class, life-altering care.

He helped establish Longview’s first comprehensive weight loss surgery program, built to meet the highest national standards. The program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a national designation that recognizes centers committed to safety, outcomes, and long-term support.

For individuals and families in East Texas, that means access to bariatric surgery and ongoing metabolic care designed to support real, lasting change, without having to leave the community they call home.

Career at a Glance

• 20+ years of clinical expertise: A veteran surgeon with extensive experience in high-acuity trauma and metabolic intervention.
• Combat-proven leadership: Served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, managing complex damage-control surgeries under extreme pressure.
• Award-winning care: Repeatedly voted Best Surgeon by the Longview News-Journal (2023, 2025) and recipient of the 2026 Longview Unity Honors.
• Program pioneer: Architect of the first comprehensive center for bariatric excellence in the region.
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons: Recognized for maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in surgery.

Clinical Role and Leadership

As Chief of Surgery, Dr. McDermott oversees surgical policy and quality improvement for the region, ensuring that every patient receives evidence-based, multidisciplinary care.

He specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgery to treat complex metabolic and abdominal conditions, helping reduce recovery times and surgical risk.

He provides specialized care for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Morbid obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes with surgical remission pathways
• Complex inguinal and incisional hernias
• Cholecystitis and gallstones
• Diverticulitis and gastrointestinal disorders
• Acute appendicitis and small bowel obstructions
• Traumatic internal injuries

Many of these conditions are treated through general surgery and advanced minimally invasive approaches.

Weight Loss Surgery in Longview, Texas

Dr. Dustin McDermott provides bariatric surgery for people who have struggled to lose weight through diet, exercise, or medication alone. Weight loss surgery works by reducing how much food the stomach can hold and by changing the hormones that drive hunger, helping support meaningful, long-term weight loss.

His MBSAQIP-accredited program offers surgical options designed to improve metabolic health while keeping care close to home for East Texas patients.

Bariatric Procedures Offered

Weight loss surgery may include:

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery
• Gastric Bypass Surgery

Robotic Hernia Surgery in Longview, Texas

Dr. Dustin McDermott uses robotic technology to precisely repair the hernia and close the muscle opening before reinforcing it with mesh. This approach allows for smaller incisions, less strain on the abdominal wall, and improved visualization to identify and repair multiple or smaller hernias during the same procedure.

Hernia Types Treated

Robotic hernia surgery may be used to treat:

• Groin, or inguinal hernias
• Epigastric hernias
• Femoral hernias
• Hiatal hernias
• Incisional hernias
• Umbilical (belly button) hernias

What You Can Expect from Care with Dr. McDermott

Dr. McDermott believes that while surgical tools matter, healing begins with human connection. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that kind words cost nothing and that care starts with listening.

• Understanding you first: Your personal story is a critical part of diagnosis, decision-making, and long-term success.
• Transparency: Clear, jargon-free explanations of your options, including realistic recovery timelines.
• Metabolic support: A whole-person approach to weight loss that includes nutrition therapy, psychological coordination, and medical weight loss when appropriate.
• Decisive expertise: A calm, disciplined approach informed by years of high-stakes trauma surgery.
• Dignity and respect: A professional, kind, and unhurried care experience.

Advanced Surgical Innovation

Dr. McDermott is a regional leader in robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System. This approach is especially valuable in complex hernia repair, allowing for precise reconstruction of the abdominal wall with less postoperative pain and lower recurrence risk.

His MBSAQIP-accredited bariatric program offers advanced procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery, meeting the highest national safety and quality standards.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

Dr. McDermott is deeply committed to improving surgical safety through research and peer collaboration.

His peer-reviewed work includes a landmark study on surgical nutrition that reduced inappropriate TPN usage from 32% to 7.9% through surgeon-led peer review.

Additional research into adhesion barriers for trauma patients demonstrated a reduction in ICU stays by nearly eight days.

He also contributes to CSurgeries, a peer-reviewed digital platform dedicated to advancing surgical education and technique.

Education and Certifications

• Undergraduate Education: University of Oklahoma
• Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
• Residency: Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), San Antonio, Texas
• Board Certification: American Board of Surgery (General Surgery)
• Professional Credentials: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Professional Member, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)