Dr. Girish Juneja now serves as a proctor for Teleflex USA.

Long before the world took obesity seriously, Dr. Girish Juneja saw what others did not: behind the physical weight of his patients was something far more important—the weight of dreams, lost confidence, and daily struggle. And he decided to help lift it. Today, Dr. Juneja stands as one of the UAE’s most respected laparoscopic and robotic-bariatric surgeons, with a reputation built on more than 30 years of surgical excellence, patient-centered care, and pioneering innovations. He currently practices in Gargash Hospital and Emirates Jumeirah Hospital in Dubai, and serves as a proctor for Teleflex USA, training surgeons across Europe in the latest surgical technologies. But behind this stellar résumé is a deeply personal story of curiosity, compassion, and relentless dedication to bettering lives. In this Expat Media exclusive, Dr. Juneja opens up about his journey from a small boy in India to a medical leader in the UAE—and why he still believes the best measure of success isn’t in awards, but in a patient’s first pain-free step.

A calling that began with childhood conviction

Dr. Juneja doesn’t need to dig deep to remember the moment he realized he wanted to be a doctor. It’s a memory etched in laughter and innocence. “One day, after a sermon, a spiritual guru asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up,” he tells Expat Media. “I said I wanted to be a doctor. He laughed and said, ‘So you’ll become half a God?’ I replied, ‘Then I’ll become a double doctor—complete God!’ Everyone burst out laughing.” That child’s confidence matured into a doctor’s calm resolve. After completing his surgical training and a fellowship in bariatric surgery in the Netherlands, Dr. Juneja looked beyond borders—and saw opportunity in a growing health crisis. “Obesity was clearly on the rise in the UAE. It was the perfect place to offer bariatric care to patients who needed it.” Dr. Juneja’s early days in the UAE were driven by innovation. Initially joining government service, he quickly realized that the private sector offered greater freedom to implement the new surgical techniques he had learned abroad. “One of the first things I introduced was laparoscopic general surgery. Soon after, I began developing bariatric surgery, which was still new here. I also helped found the Emirates Bariatric Society with three other surgeons to professionalize the field.” He would go on to lead bariatric departments at major hospitals including Al Zahra Hospital, Mediclinic Al Noor, Ahlia Hospital, and Novomed, helping shape the UAE’s approach to surgical weight loss and earning recognition as a Certified Surgeon of Excellence by the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. The moment that cemented Dr. Juneja’s devotion to bariatrics happened in 2004, in Salzburg, Austria. “I saw a patient who had undergone a gastric band procedure a year earlier. The transformation was incredible—it was the first time I truly grasped how life-changing this surgery could be. I knew this was the field I wanted to dedicate my life to.” Over the years, Dr. Juneja has helped thousands of patients overcome not just obesity, but the medical conditions tied to it—diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and more. One story still moves him deeply. “A patient of mine weighed 156 kg. She had high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, and chronic joint pain. After undergoing bariatric surgery, she lost about 75 kg, reversed her health issues within six months, and regained the ability to walk, run, even swim again. Her transformation gave her a whole new life—and watching that unfold remains the greatest joy of my career.”

Changing attitudes in Dubai

In the early days, Dr. Juneja faced resistance—even from his fellow doctors. “People didn’t believe bariatric surgery could reverse conditions like diabetes or hypertension. I had to organize public classes and physician education to spread awareness. Now, attitudes have changed dramatically—especially thanks to initiatives from the Dubai government.” Still, misconceptions linger. Some still see bariatric surgery as a “last resort” or a “risky procedure,” which Dr. Juneja is quick to challenge. “When done for the right reasons in the right patients, it is one of the safest and most effective tools to restore health. It’s not just about weight—it’s about living longer and better.” Dr. Juneja is at the forefront of the latest innovations in weight loss surgery. As a proctor for Teleflex, he’s training surgeons across Europe in the use of a new single stapler technology that he introduced to Dubai in 2024. “This single stapler reduces surgical risks and speeds up recovery. It’s a huge breakthrough for sleeve gastrectomy. Last May, I shared my experience with French and other European surgeons.” He’s also looking ahead to scarless, non-surgical options, including POSE and ESG, endoscopic sleeve techniques done through the mouth. And potentially, a magnetic-based procedure called MAGDI. “It’s a very exciting time in bariatric science. The future might even bring safe, side-effect-free oral medications for weight loss.” But innovation alone isn’t enough. The biggest challenge, Dr. Juneja says, is still education. “Many people fall for fad diets or think there’s a one-size-fits-all solution. Some lack access to proper care or hold unrealistic expectations. That’s why we offer a multidisciplinary approach—support groups, counseling, family education, and long-term follow-up. Surgery is just one part of the puzzle.” For those hesitant to take the first step, Dr. Juneja’s advice is simple: “If you’re obese, meet a bariatric surgeon early—just to understand your body and risks. It doesn’t always mean surgery. It could be medication, a gastric balloon, or just guidance. But awareness is the first step to change.”

Life beyond the operating room

When he’s not in scrubs, you’ll likely find Dr. Juneja on the green. “I love golf. I play at least three days a week at 6 a.m. at Dubai Hills Golf Course—where I also live.” It’s a ritual that keeps him grounded, focused, and ready for the next patient whose life is about to be transformed. From a boy with a bold dream to a surgeon trusted by thousands, Dr. Juneja has built more than a career—he’s built a movement in healthcare. His journey is one of vision, courage, and relentless care. “What drives me is simple,” he says. “Seeing someone regain their life, their joy, their confidence—that’s what keeps me going.” And in Dubai, where lifestyles are changing and the need for holistic health is growing, Dr. Juneja’s work continues—not just in operating rooms, but in the lives he helps transform every single day. DAM/Expat Media

Quickfire questions

Surgery or consultation day? Both. They’re complementary. Morning workout or evening walk? Morning workout 6am, without doubt! Coffee or green tea? Green tea Favourite healthy snack? Blueberries and yoghurt, carrot and cucumber sticks with hummus. Book you recommend to everyone? Stumbling on Happiness by Dan Gilbert. City you dream of retiring in? Dubai and Toronto. Six months each. I’m already living it! Favourite quote about health? Health is wealth Hidden talent? Dancing. Best vacation destination? French Riviera. If you weren’t a doctor, you’d be… A dancer or a drummer. Favourite movie of all time? Pride & Prejudice. Early riser or night owl? Early riser. Superpower you wish you had? To reduce stress to mankind. Best advice you've ever received? Live in the present. Surgical tool you’d invent if you could? Robot that can do surgery by itself, and can recover within hours to go home to loved ones fast! This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine
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