Joel L Sebastien, MD, FACS : Bio and credentials

My journey toward becoming a physician, and ultimately a general and trauma surgeon at University of Florida Health, was driven by a deep desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I was drawn to medicine because it uniquely combines science, precision and human connection. The ability to diagnose a problem, intervene with skill and directly improve a patient’s quality of life felt both powerful and purposeful.

As I progressed in my training, surgery stood out to me as the field where I could have the most immediate impact. The operating room demands focus, discipline and teamwork, qualities that resonated with me. Over time, I developed a particular passion for minimally invasive techniques, especially with advanced robotic systems such as the da Vinci platforms. These innovations allow for greater precision, faster recovery and better outcomes for patients.

What continues to inspire me is the trust patients place in me during some of their most vulnerable moments. Being able to guide them through complex decisions and help restore their health is both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with pride.

I treat patients for primary and revisional bariatric surgery, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, duodenal switch (SADI-S) and several bariatric conversion surgeries. I also perform anti-reflux procedures, such as LINX and fundoplication. I also perform other general surgery procedures, including but not limited to: abdominal and intestinal surgeries (gallbladder, appendix, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis and hernia) as well as soft tissue surgery (pilonidal cysts). I utilize minimally invasive techniques, including the da Vinci robot and endoscopy.