Objective:

Introduce Caitlin Houghton, MD, her surgical practice, career path, and perspectives on robotic surgery and Keck Medicine of USC.

Approach:

• Specialty and practice: Houghton is a gastrointestinal surgeon with the USC Upper GI and General Surgery Program at Keck Medicine of USC. She specializes in minimally invasive foregut and general surgery and treats complex esophageal and gastric disorders.
• Career path: After studying biology and working in physical therapy, she applied to medical school. She says her first experience in an operating room confirmed her interest in surgery.
• Personal interests: Outside work, she spends time with her daughters and dog, sings, and surfs. She also reports winning a national show choir championship.

Key Findings:

• Her areas of care include GERD, hiatal hernias, achalasia, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, and gastroparesis.
• Houghton describes robotic surgery as a major advancement in her field and says she teaches other surgeons about the technology.
• She says Keck Medicine’s upper gastrointestinal and foregut surgery program has a longstanding tradition of leadership and access to new technology.

Interpretation:

The article is a physician profile describing Houghton’s clinical focus, professional journey, and views on robotic surgery and her workplace.

Limitations:

• The article is a profile and does not report clinical study methods, patient outcomes, or comparative evidence for robotic surgery.
• The source URL was not provided.

Conclusion:

Houghton practices gastrointestinal surgery at Keck Medicine of USC and emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, robotic surgery, and teaching.